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The makers of Pokémon introduced fans to the Pokémon TCG Diamond and Pearl edition in the year 2007, featuring the Bonsly card. In this card, the fourth generation rock-type appears by illustrator Harada-san in an unusual position. Here, this pre-evolution is depicted fallen and weeping. But don't misunderstand, though. Like its ability Fake Tears, this Pokémon attempts to sway their opponent's emotions in the hopes of reducing their damage output. Unforgettable artwork, no? Electroacoustic harpist Emily 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 obtained twenty holo reverse versions of this particular card, which depicts the little guy in reflective foil all over except the main image. The crown jewel, though, proves to be the PSA 6-rated holo reverse of Bonsly. Admittedly, it isn't a mint-condition Charizard illustration. However, can you claim an amusing, nearly pristine Bonsly illustration maintained in all its splendor? I didn't think so.

Origins of the Collection

Emily dedicated a large part of this year gathering each Bonsly card from 2007 available on the market. She discovered of this rare card in recent months, while talking about the notoriously odd cards in the Pokémon TCG with an employee in a nearby store. Crying Omanyte was considered, along with the lonely Cubone on a park ride. Yet it was Bonsly crying, or the seventeenth card, that grabbed her interest.

The Concept of Bonsly

Bonsly draws clear inspiration from miniature trees, that are commonly placed in containers featuring holes for drainage. These are meant to support healthy development, in fact fans suggest to peers to create openings in their containers if they don't already have one. Bonsai can also be placed in shallow containers hole-free, known as suiban, and the collected moisture could aid caretakers decorate their plants to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly fits the initial category, hence the hole.

The Infamous Hole Card

Although this makes sense, yet, Pokémon's creators looks a bit overly focused about the drainage feature. Also, products like Bonsly plushes ensure they feature an empty space below of this plant Pokémon. Regardless if the illustration of the Pokémon is crying or calm: It will display the hole. The hole is a fundamental aspect of Bonsly's design. Card number 71 became a meme in collector circles both due to its distinctive hole, in addition to its status. Up until last year, the card was the only version of Bonsly card printed in a game where many of its monsters are typically depicted in dozens of different ways. For sixteen years, should you desire this Pokémon card, you needed to accept with the hole version.

A Growing Obsession

"When I saw this card on the list of these cursed cards, I knew I had found my favorite one," Emily states via email, mentioning how she felt astonished to have missed it until then. She is quick to inform you her fondness for the Bonsly card has no real value, but it didn't matter. The appreciation became a major fixation, with Emily purchasing all copies of this card that she could get her hands on. She quickly got into a routine of stopping by the nearby card store on a weekly basis, and earned the nickname by workers as the Bonsly collector. The shop started reserving all incoming copies of Bonsly #71 it received only for her. Typically, these cards go for a few dollars, she notes, estimating that she has invested somewhere around $400 for the collection book.

The Financial Side

Currently, excellent Bonsly #71 cards may reach prices of nearly $15. While that is a premium price, run-of-the-mill copies usually go for starting at $4. The upward trend roughly aligns with when Hopkins started collecting seriously, although there are probably multiple reasons. Although the card is notorious with enthusiasts, her online content on it have attracted countless views. With information of its existence keeps growing to a wider audience, it is likely that their market price might increase even more. If nothing else, collectors note that trading card game values are skyrocketing this year in general.

No Signs of Stopping

Emily remains undeterred, though.

"What's incredible is that certain fans and enthusiasts on social media have shipped copies of Bonsly to me to expand the set, and she is preserving these cards protected always," Emily states. Rather than recoil in horror, the audience feel admiration and motivation by this project.

"I've actually always wanted to try this," an observer mentions. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card