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The Pokémon Company unveiled the world to the trading card game Diamond and Pearl edition in the year 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. Within this depiction, Gen IV Rock Pokémon is shown by artist Midori Harada in a, shall we say, compromising pose. On the card, the predecessor to Sudowoodo can be seen toppled and weeping. But don't misunderstand, though. Similar to its attack the move Fake Tears, this Pokémon aims to manipulate the other player's mood to reducing their damage output. Memorable card, no? Electroacoustic harpist Hopkins is a firm believer. And she's got a collection book containing over 300 cards of Bonsly as evidence.

The Entire Assortment Including Rare Finds

That's not the full extent either. She has acquired twenty holo reverse versions of this particular card, which depicts the small Pokémon in reflective foil covering everything except the main image. The most valuable item, yet, is the PSA 6-graded reverse holographic Bonsly edition. Certainly, it's not a mint-condition Charizard illustration. Yet, do you possess an amusing, nearly pristine Bonsly illustration preserved in its eternal glory? Probably not.

How It All Began

She invested a large part of this year accumulating every 2007 Bonsly card that she could locate. She initially learned of this rare card earlier this year, during a discussion the most infamous cards in the compendium with an employee in a nearby store. Crying Omanyte was a contender, just like the forever alone Cubone on a park ride. But it was Crying Bonsly, also known as card number 17, that caught Hopkins's attention.

The Design and Inspiration

The design of Bonsly is based by bonsai plants, which are often grown in pots that have drainage holes. These are meant to aid growth, so much so that growers advise one another to add holes on the bottom if they don't already have one. Additionally, bonsai may sit on shallow pots lacking drainage, known as suiban, and the retained water can help caretakers style their trees to look like natural landscapes. Bonsly is the former, thus the hole exists.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Although this makes sense, though, The Pokémon Company appears somewhat overly focused regarding the hole in Bonsly. Even merch such as Bonsly plush toys ensure they feature an empty space at the bottom of this plant Pokémon. Regardless whether the portrayal of Bonsly in question appears sad or calm: It's going to show the hole. The hole is a fundamental aspect in Bonsly's appearance. Card number 71 gained meme status in collector circles because of its distinctive hole, and also because of its status. Up until last year, the card was the only version of Bonsly available released in the TCG where numerous creatures are typically depicted in dozens of different ways. For 16 years, were you seeking a Bonsly card, you were stuck with this specific design.

Emily's Dedication

"When I discovered this card on the list of infamous cards, I realized I located the one for me," she explains in a message, adding that she was surprised to have never seen it before. She'll be the first to state her passion for Bonsly #71 serves no practical purpose, yet that didn't stop her. The initial interest became an all-consuming hobby, with Emily purchasing every Bonsly #71 card that she could get her hands on. She quickly got into a routine of visiting the nearby card store every week, and became known by workers as the Bonsly collector. The shop started putting any new Bonsly #71 cards that came in exclusively for Emily. The majority of these go for a few dollars, she mentions, approximating she's spent somewhere around $400 just on the binder alone.

Market Trends and Value

Currently, pristine the card can cost up to around fifteen dollars. While that is a premium price, run-of-the-mill versions are often priced at starting at $4. That price increase roughly aligns with when Hopkins started building her set, though there are likely various influences. Although Bonsly #71 is well-known in the community, Emily's social media updates regarding the card have also garnered millions of views. With information of its existence expands further to a wider audience, there's a chance the value of these cards could keep rising. If nothing else, enthusiasts note that card market costs are skyrocketing currently across the board.

Her Relentless Pursuit

Hopkins cannot be stopped, however.

"What's incredible is that some supporters and viewers from her channel have sent copies of Bonsly to Emily to expand the set, and they will remain these Bonsly safe forever," she declares. Rather than recoil in horror, fans are amazed and encouraged by her collection.

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