This Special Release Pikachu Promo Aims to Be Super Effective On Resellers
Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive items. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from on-site at the museum and online from January 26 to April 19.
The Book Behind the Partnership
Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with beautiful artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is what a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.
Why This Promo Card Different
It is common to issue to release cards for big events or crossover partnerships. A lot such collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. While precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans limited to only a single card per purchase.
Limiting Reseller Interest
According to an official statement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for specific stores within the UK. Critically, fans cannot purchase this promo via the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.
"Every penny of sales made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.
