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The makers of Pokémon introduced fans to the trading card game Diamond & Pearl set back in 2007, showcasing a Bonsly trading card. Within this depiction, Gen IV rock-type is portrayed by artist Harada-san in an unusual situation. On the card, Bonsly, which evolves into Sudowoodo is depicted fallen and shedding tears. Don't be fooled, yet. As its move the move Fake Tears, the little creature is trying to sway the foe's feelings with the goal of reducing their attack. Unforgettable artwork, isn't it? Musician and harpist Emily is a firm believer. And she's got a collection book with 305 Bonsly illustrations to show for it.

Her Complete Set with Key Pieces

But that isn't the whole collection as well. She has acquired a score of holo reverse copies featuring Bonsly, showing the tyke in reflective foil all over except the main image. The prized possession, however, turns out to be the PSA 6-graded holo reverse Bonsly edition. Sure, it's far from a mint-condition Charizard illustration. However, can you claim a quirky, close to mint Bonsly illustration kept in its eternal glory? I didn't think so.

The Start of the Obsession

Emily dedicated a large part of this year stockpiling all available Bonsly cards from that year that she could locate. She discovered of this rare card in recent months, while talking about the most cursed cards among collectors with a worker at a local shop. The weeping Omanyte was considered, as was Cubone by itself at the theme park. Yet it was The sobbing Bonsly, also known as the seventeenth card, that caught Emily's focus.

Behind Bonsly's Look

The design of Bonsly is based on bonsai trees, which are often grown in pots with holes at the bottom. They are designed to support healthy development, in fact fans advise one another to drill holes on the bottom if holes are missing. Bonsai can also be placed on shallow pots lacking drainage, called suiban, and the retained water could aid caretakers style their trees to resemble nature vistas. Bonsly fits the initial category, hence the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Although this makes sense, yet, The company seems almost excessively attentive regarding the hole in Bonsly. Even merch like Bonsly plushes ensure they feature an empty space below of Bonsly. It doesn't matter if the illustration of the Pokémon is crying or content: It features hole. The hole is an intrinsic part of Bonsly's design. Bonsly #71 gained meme status in collector circles because of the famous hole, as well as its rarity. Up until last year, this Bonsly card remained the sole iteration of Bonsly available released in the TCG where many of its monsters usually appear in dozens of different ways. For 16 years, were you seeking a card of Bonsly, you were stuck for hole Bonsly.

Emily's Dedication

"When I saw this card on the list of oddball cards, I knew I discovered my new favorite," Hopkins shares over email, adding that she was surprised to have never seen it before. She admits freely to tell you her love of this particular card is completely useless, but she didn't care. The initial interest turned into a major fixation, as she acquired each available Bonsly card that she could get her hands on. She soon developed a habit of going to the nearby card store every week, and was dubbed to the employees as the Bonsly collector. They started putting any new copies of Bonsly #71 that came in exclusively for Emily. The majority of these are priced at one to three dollars, she says, calculating that she's spent somewhere around $400 only on the album itself.

The Financial Side

These days, mint-condition Bonsly #71 cards may reach prices of around fifteen dollars. While that is a premium price, ordinary versions tend to cost starting at $4. The upward trend roughly aligns with the time Emily began building her set, though there are likely various influences. While it's true that the card is notorious with enthusiasts, her online content regarding the card have received countless views. As awareness regarding Bonsly #71 expands further to new fans, it is likely that the value of these cards might increase even more. Regardless, enthusiasts say that TCG prices are climbing in 2025 in general.

No Signs of Stopping

Hopkins cannot be stopped, yet.

"The wonderful part is that certain fans and enthusiasts from her channel have shipped their Bonsly cards to Emily for her album, and I am keeping them secure indefinitely," Hopkins says. Far from being alarmed, viewers feel admiration and motivation by this project.

"I've long desired to do this," an observer mentions. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card