She's Collected Countless of Pokemon Cards with Holes, and You Can't Stop Her.

The makers of Pokémon introduced the world to the card series DP edition during 2007, featuring the Bonsly illustration. In this card, Gen IV stone creature is shown by illustrator the talented Harada in a somewhat awkward pose. Here, the predecessor to Sudowoodo appears knocked over and crying. But don't misunderstand, though. Similar to its attack Fake Tears suggests, this Pokémon attempts to manipulate the other player's mood to lowering their offensive power. Memorable card, isn't it? Harp player Emily absolutely agrees. She owns an album with 305 cards of Bonsly as evidence.

The Full Collection with Key Pieces

However, that's not everything she has also. She has acquired 20 reverse foil editions of this particular card, showing the tyke in reflective foil everywhere but the primary illustration. The most valuable item, however, is the PSA 6-graded holo reverse Bonsly edition. Certainly, it's not a top-graded Charizard from the base set. Yet, do you possess a goofy, close to mint Bonsly illustration maintained in its eternal glory? Probably not.

Origins of the Collection

She invested most of the current year gathering all available Bonsly cards from that year that she could locate. She discovered of this rare card in recent months, while talking about the most cursed cards in the compendium with a staff member at a local shop. Crying Omanyte was in the running, along with the forever alone Cubone in an amusement park. However, the one that The sobbing Bonsly, or Bonsly #17, which captured her interest.

Behind Bonsly's Look

Bonsly is obviously influenced by bonsai plants, which are typically planted in pots with holes at the bottom. They are designed to aid growth, to the extent that growers suggest to peers to drill holes in their containers if holes are missing. Bonsai can also be placed in shallow containers without holes, referred to as suiban, where the water stays can help enthusiasts style their trees to resemble nature vistas. Bonsly represents the first type, which explains the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Despite this logical explanation, though, The Pokémon Company seems almost overly focused regarding the hole in Bonsly. Even merchandise such as Bonsly plush toys make sure to include a cavity at the bottom of the tree-like Pokémon. Regardless whether the portrayal of this particular Bonsly is crying or content: It will display the hole. This hole represents a key element of Bonsly's design. Bonsly #71 turned into an internet joke within the community both due to the famous hole, and also because of its rarity. For years before, Bonsly #71 was the only version of Bonsly available included in the series where many of its monsters are commonly shown in multiple editions. For sixteen years, were you seeking a card of Bonsly, you were stuck with the hole version.

Emily's Dedication

"When I saw Bonsly among the selections of oddball cards, I knew I had found my favorite one," she explains via email, noting that she felt astonished to have never seen it before. She admits freely to tell you her passion for Bonsly #71 serves no practical purpose, yet that didn't stop her. The initial interest became an all-consuming hobby, as she acquired each available Bonsly card that she could get her hands on. She quickly got into a habit of visiting her favorite shop on a weekly basis, and was dubbed among the staff as the Bonsly fan. The store began reserving all incoming copies of Bonsly #71 that came in exclusively for Emily. Typically, these cards go for a few dollars, she mentions, approximating she has invested somewhere around $400 for the collection book.

Rising Prices

These days, excellent this Bonsly card can cost up to nearly $15. Although that is expensive, run-of-the-mill Bonsly #71 cards are often priced at starting at $4. That price increase more or less coincides with her starting point collecting seriously, but it's possible that various influences. Even though this card is famous among collectors, Hopkins's posts about it have received millions of views. As news of its existence keeps growing among more people, there's a chance the price of Bonsly #71 cards could keep rising. If nothing else, enthusiasts say that TCG prices are climbing this year across the board.

Her Relentless Pursuit

Emily remains undeterred, however.

"The wonderful part is certain fans and enthusiasts of the YouTube channel have shipped copies of Bonsly her way for her album, and I am keeping them secure indefinitely," Hopkins says. Instead of being put off, the audience are impressed and inspired by her Bonsly binder.

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

Diane Hall
Diane Hall

A lifelong gamer and tech enthusiast, Maya writes about gaming culture and industry trends with a focus on community engagement.