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The makers of Pokémon introduced the world to the Pokémon TCG DP edition in the year 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. On this artwork, the Gen 4 Rock Pokémon is shown by illustrator Harada-san in an unusual situation. In the image, Bonsly, which evolves into Sudowoodo is depicted fallen and crying. However, don't mistake this, however. Similar to its attack Fake Tears suggests, Bonsly attempts to sway the foe's feelings to decreasing their attack. Iconic piece, no? Musician and harpist Emily is a firm believer. She possesses a binder with 305 Bonsly cards to show for it.

The Full Collection with Key Pieces

That's not the whole collection as well. She's got 20 reverse foil editions of this particular card, which depicts the tyke with metallic accents covering everything except the main image. The prized possession, however, is the PSA 6-rated reverse holographic Bonsly edition. Admittedly, it's far from a mint-condition Charizard from the base set. Yet, do you possess an amusing, almost perfect Bonsly illustration preserved forever immortalized? Probably not.

How It All Began

Hopkins has spent most of the current year stockpiling all available Bonsly cards from that year available on the market. She first heard about the out-of-print card at the start of the year, while debating the most cursed cards in the Pokémon TCG with a staff member in a nearby store. The weeping Omanyte was considered, as was the lonely Cubone on a park ride. But it was The sobbing Bonsly, aka card number 17, that grabbed Emily's focus.

Behind Bonsly's Look

Bonsly is obviously influenced by bonsai plants, that are commonly placed in planters that have drainage holes. These holes are intended to aid growth, to the extent that fans suggest to peers to add holes in their containers if holes are missing. Bonsai can also be placed on low dishes lacking drainage, referred to as suiban, where the water stays could aid growers arrange their bonsai to resemble nature vistas. Bonsly represents the first type, thus the hole exists.

The Infamous Hole Card

Although this makes sense, yet, The Pokémon Company appears somewhat a little too concerned about the drainage feature. Even merch including stuffed Bonsly make sure to include an empty space on the underside of Bonsly. It makes no difference if the depiction of the Pokémon is crying or calm: It features hole. This hole represents a key element of how Bonsly looks. Bonsly #71 turned into an internet joke among fans thanks to that drainage hole, in addition to its status. Up until last year, the card was the only version featuring Bonsly included in the series where many of its monsters are commonly shown in multiple editions. Over a decade and a half, if you wanted a Bonsly card, you were stuck for hole Bonsly.

The Collector's Passion

"Upon noticing this card on the list of infamous cards, I realized I had found my new favorite," Hopkins shares in a message, mentioning how she felt astonished to have missed it until then. She admits freely to state her fondness for this particular card has no real value, but it didn't matter. The initial interest turned into a major fixation, as Hopkins bought all copies of this card she could possibly find. She soon developed a habit of visiting her favorite shop every week, and earned the nickname to the employees as the Bonsly fan. They started reserving all incoming copies of Bonsly #71 they obtained exclusively for Emily. Most of these cards go for a few dollars, she notes, estimating that she has invested about $400 for the collection book.

Rising Prices

These days, pristine Bonsly #71 cards can cost up to around fifteen dollars. While that's on the higher end, standard copies usually go for $4 and above. The upward trend more or less coincides with her starting point her collection in earnest, although there are probably multiple reasons. Even though Bonsly #71 is well-known with enthusiasts, her online content about it have attracted millions of views. As awareness about this card keeps growing to a wider audience, there's a chance the value of these cards may continue to shoot up. Regardless, enthusiasts note that trading card game values are climbing currently across the board.

No Signs of Stopping

Hopkins cannot be stopped, however.

"The amazing thing is that certain fans and viewers of the YouTube channel have sent their Bonsly cards to Emily to add to my collection, and I am keeping these cards protected always," Emily states. Instead of being put off, viewers are impressed and inspired by her collection.

"I've long desired to try this," a viewer notes. "Acquire all of a common card|every copy of a common card