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The Pokémon Company unveiled fans to the Pokémon TCG Diamond and Pearl expansion back in 2007, featuring the Bonsly illustration. In this card, the fourth generation Rock Pokémon is portrayed by artist Harada-san in an unusual pose. Here, the predecessor to Sudowoodo appears knocked over and weeping. Don't be fooled, however. As its move the move Fake Tears, the little creature is trying to manipulate their opponent's emotions to decreasing their offensive power. Unforgettable artwork, isn't it? Musician and harpist Hopkins absolutely agrees. And she's got an album containing over 300 cards of Bonsly to show for it.

Her Complete Set with Key Pieces

But that isn't everything she has either. She obtained 20 reverse holographic copies of this particular card, which depicts the tyke with shiny foil everywhere but the primary illustration. The most valuable item, though, turns out to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holo Bonsly edition. Sure, it's not a high-grade Charizard illustration. However, can you claim a quirky, almost perfect card of Bonsly preserved in all its splendor? I didn't think so.

How It All Began

Hopkins has spent most of the current year gathering each Bonsly card from 2007 available on the market. She discovered about the out-of-print card at the start of the year, while talking about the most cursed cards among collectors with an employee at a local shop. The weeping Omanyte was in the running, along with the forever alone Cubone at the theme park. However, the one that Bonsly crying, also known as Bonsly #17, which captured Emily's focus.

The Design and Inspiration

The design of Bonsly is based from miniature trees, which are often grown in pots that have drainage holes. These holes are intended to help the plant grow, so much so that growers advise one another to drill holes on the bottom if holes are missing. They can also be positioned on shallow pots lacking drainage, referred to as suiban, where the water stays could aid growers arrange their bonsai to resemble outdoor scenes. Bonsly fits the initial category, hence the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Although this makes sense, though, Pokémon's creators seems almost overly focused about the drainage feature. Even merchandise including stuffed Bonsly always incorporate an empty space at the bottom of the tree-like Pokémon. Regardless if the depiction of this particular Bonsly is crying or calm: It's going to show a hole. This hole represents a fundamental aspect of how Bonsly looks. This specific Bonsly card gained meme status within the community because of that drainage hole, as well as its unique position. For years before, the card was the only version featuring Bonsly printed in a game in which most Pokémon are typically depicted in dozens of different ways. Over a decade and a half, were you seeking this Pokémon card, you needed to accept for hole Bonsly.

Emily's Dedication

"Upon noticing this card on the list of oddball cards, I realized I discovered my new favorite," Hopkins shares via email, adding that it was unexpected to have never seen it before. She'll be the first to inform you her fondness for the Bonsly card is completely useless, but it didn't matter. The liking evolved into an all-consuming hobby, as Hopkins bought each available Bonsly card she could possibly find. She quickly got into a routine of stopping by her favorite shop every week, and became known among the staff as "Bonsly Girl". They started reserving all incoming copies of Bonsly #71 they obtained exclusively for Emily. Typically, these cards are priced at one to three dollars, she says, estimating that her total expenditure is approximately four hundred dollars just on the binder alone.

Rising Prices

Nowadays, pristine this Bonsly card may reach prices of around fifteen dollars. While that's on the higher end, run-of-the-mill versions are often priced at four dollars or more. The upward trend corresponds to when Hopkins started building her set, though there are likely various influences. Although Bonsly #71 is well-known with enthusiasts, Hopkins's posts on it have attracted millions of views. As awareness regarding Bonsly #71 expands further to new fans, it is likely that their market price may continue to shoot up. Regardless, enthusiasts say that TCG prices are climbing this year in general.

Unstoppable Determination

Hopkins cannot be stopped, though.

"The wonderful part is that a few followers and fans on social media have sent their own Bonsly cards her way to expand the set, and they will remain them secure indefinitely," Emily states. Instead of being put off, viewers are impressed and inspired by her collection.

"I've actually always wanted to do this," a viewer notes. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card