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The Pokémon Company released fans to the Pokémon TCG DP edition during 2007, featuring the Bonsly illustration. Within this depiction, the fourth generation stone creature appears by designer the talented Harada in an unusual position. In the image, Bonsly, which evolves into Sudowoodo can be seen knocked over and crying. However, don't mistake this, though. Similar to its attack Fake Tears suggests, the little creature is trying to influence their opponent's emotions to reducing their offensive power. Unforgettable artwork, no? Harp player Emily is a firm believer. She possesses a collection book containing over 300 cards of Bonsly as evidence.

The Entire Assortment and Its Highlights

That's not everything she has also. She's got 20 reverse foil editions of the Bonsly card, showing the small Pokémon in reflective foil all over except the main image. The most valuable item, yet, turns out to be the professionally graded PSA 6 reverse holo of Bonsly. Sure, it's far from a high-grade original Charizard card. Yet, do you possess a quirky, close to mint card of Bonsly kept in all its splendor? 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 debating the notoriously odd cards in the Pokémon TCG with a staff member in a nearby store. Omanyte in tears was in the running, along with Cubone by itself at the theme park. However, the one that The sobbing Bonsly, also known as Bonsly #17, which captured Emily's focus.

Behind Bonsly's Look

Bonsly is obviously influenced by bonsai plants, which are typically planted in planters with holes at the bottom. They are designed to aid growth, so much so that fans suggest to peers to drill holes into their pots if they don't already have one. Additionally, bonsai may sit on low dishes without holes, known as suiban, and the retained water can help enthusiasts decorate their plants to resemble outdoor scenes. Bonsly is the former, thus the hole exists.

The Infamous Hole Card

Despite this logical explanation, yet, Pokémon's creators seems almost excessively attentive regarding the hole in Bonsly. Even merch including stuffed Bonsly ensure they feature a cavity at the bottom of the tree-like Pokémon. It makes no difference whether the portrayal of Bonsly in question appears sad or calm: It will display hole. The hole is an intrinsic part of Bonsly's design. Card number 71 became a meme within the community thanks to that drainage hole, as well as its rarity. For years before, Bonsly #71 remained the sole iteration of Bonsly card printed in a game where numerous creatures are commonly shown in various forms. For sixteen years, were you seeking this Pokémon card, you had to settle with this specific design.

A Growing Obsession

"Upon noticing Bonsly among the selections of infamous cards, I knew I discovered my new favorite," Emily states via email, noting that she felt astonished that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She is quick to tell you her passion for Bonsly #71 is completely useless, but she didn't care. The initial interest turned into a major fixation, as she acquired every Bonsly #71 card available to her. She soon developed a practice of going to the nearby card store regularly, and earned the nickname among the staff as "Bonsly Girl". The shop started setting aside any recently acquired this specific card that came in aside just for Hopkins. Typically, these cards cost between $1 and $3, she mentions, calculating that she's spent somewhere around $400 for the collection book.

Rising Prices

Nowadays, pristine the card may reach prices of nearly $15. While that's on the higher end, ordinary versions usually go for starting at $4. The upward trend corresponds to the time Emily began her collection in earnest, though there are likely multiple reasons. While it's true that this card is famous with enthusiasts, Emily's social media updates regarding the card have attracted countless views. As awareness of its existence continues to spread to new fans, there's a chance their market price might increase even more. At the very least, investors mention how card market costs are skyrocketing currently in general.

Her Relentless Pursuit

Hopkins cannot be stopped, though.

"What's incredible is a few followers and viewers on social media have shipped their own Bonsly cards to me to add to my collection, and they will remain these cards protected always," she declares. Instead of being put off, the audience feel admiration and motivation by her collection.

"For years, I wished to do this," an observer mentions. "Purchase all of a common card|every copy of a common card