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The Pokémon Company introduced fans to the card series Diamond & Pearl set back in 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. Within this depiction, the fourth generation Rock Pokémon appears by designer Midori Harada in a, shall we say, compromising position. On the card, the predecessor to Sudowoodo is depicted toppled and shedding tears. Don't be fooled, though. Similar to its attack Fake Tears suggests, Bonsly is trying to sway the other player's mood with the goal of reducing their offensive power. Memorable card, isn't it? Musician and harpist Hopkins is a firm believer. She possesses an album containing over 300 cards of Bonsly to prove it.

The Entire Assortment Including Rare Finds

But that isn't the full extent as well. She has acquired twenty reverse holographic versions of the Bonsly card, showing the little guy in reflective foil everywhere but the primary illustration. The most valuable item, however, is the PSA 6-graded holo reverse Bonsly card. Sure, it isn't a top-graded original Charizard card. However, can you claim a goofy, close to mint Bonsly card preserved forever immortalized? I didn't think so.

How It All Began

Hopkins has spent a large part of this year accumulating every 2007 Bonsly card she can possibly find. She first heard of this rare card earlier this year, during a discussion the notoriously odd cards in the compendium with a worker at a local shop. The weeping Omanyte was considered, as was Cubone by itself on a park ride. Yet it was Bonsly crying, or card number 17, which captured Hopkins's attention.

The Design and Inspiration

Bonsly draws clear inspiration by bonsai plants, which are typically planted in pots with holes at the bottom. They are designed to support healthy development, to the extent that fans encourage each other to create openings into their pots if they don't already have one. They can also be positioned in shallow containers lacking drainage, called suiban, where the water stays could aid enthusiasts style their trees to mimic nature vistas. Bonsly represents the first type, thus the hole exists.

Why Bonsly Stands Out

Despite this logical explanation, yet, The company seems almost overly focused about the drainage feature. Even merch including stuffed Bonsly make sure to include a cavity at the bottom of the tree-like Pokémon. It makes no difference if the illustration of this particular Bonsly appears sad or at ease: It features a hole. This hole represents a fundamental aspect of how Bonsly looks. Card number 71 turned into an internet joke among fans because of the famous hole, and also because of its status. Until recently, the card was the only version of Bonsly available included in the series where many of its monsters are typically depicted in dozens of different ways. For sixteen years, should you desire a card of Bonsly, you had to settle with this specific design.

The Collector's Passion

"When I discovered Bonsly in the list of oddball cards, I realized I located my favorite one," Emily states via email, adding that it was unexpected to have missed it until then. She admits freely to tell you her fondness for this particular card is completely useless, but it didn't matter. The liking became an all-consuming hobby, as Hopkins bought each available Bonsly card available to her. She soon developed a practice of going to her local card shop regularly, and earned the nickname by workers as the Bonsly collector. The shop started setting aside any recently acquired Bonsly #71 cards they obtained exclusively for Emily. Most of these cards cost between $1 and $3, she says, estimating that she's spent approximately four hundred dollars only on the album itself.

Market Trends and Value

Nowadays, excellent Bonsly #71 cards might be valued at $14.99. While that is a premium price, run-of-the-mill copies are often priced at $4 and above. The upward trend corresponds to the time Emily began building her set, though there are likely several factors at play. Even though the card is notorious with enthusiasts, her online content regarding the card have received a huge audience. With information of its existence expands further to a wider audience, there's a chance the price of Bonsly #71 cards could keep rising. At the very least, collectors note that trading card game values are climbing currently overall.

Unstoppable Determination

Nothing can halt her, however.

"The amazing thing remains that certain fans and viewers from her channel have sent their own Bonsly cards her way for her album, and she is preserving them secure indefinitely," Emily states. Rather than recoil in horror, the audience are impressed and inspired by her collection.

"I've actually always wanted to do this," one commenter says. "Acquire all of a common card|every copy of a common card