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The makers of Pokémon unveiled collectors to the Pokémon TCG DP expansion during 2007, including the Bonsly card. Within this depiction, the Gen 4 Rock Pokémon appears by artist the talented Harada in a, shall we say, compromising pose. In the image, this pre-evolution can be seen knocked over and shedding tears. Don't be fooled, yet. Like its ability Fake Tears suggests, the little creature aims to manipulate their opponent's emotions to reducing their offensive power. Unforgettable artwork, right? Musician and harpist Emily Hopkins absolutely agrees. She owns a collection book with 305 cards of Bonsly as evidence.

The Entire Assortment Including Rare Finds

But that isn't everything she has as well. She has acquired 20 reverse holographic versions featuring Bonsly, showing the tyke with metallic accents all over except the primary illustration. The prized possession, yet, is the PSA 6-graded reverse holographic of Bonsly. Admittedly, it's far from a high-grade original Charizard card. But do you have an amusing, close to mint Bonsly illustration maintained in its eternal glory? I didn't think so.

The Start of the Obsession

Emily dedicated most of the current year gathering every 2007 Bonsly card available on the market. She discovered regarding this discontinued card at the start of the year, during a discussion the most infamous cards in the compendium with a staff member at her favorite card shop. Omanyte in tears was considered, just like the forever alone Cubone on a park ride. However, the one that The sobbing Bonsly, also known as Bonsly #17, which captured Hopkins's attention.

The Design and Inspiration

Bonsly is obviously influenced on bonsai trees, that are commonly placed in planters that have drainage holes. These are meant to aid growth, so much so that fans suggest to peers to drill holes in their containers when none are present. They can also be positioned in shallow containers hole-free, called suiban, and the retained water could aid growers arrange their bonsai to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly is the former, hence the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Although this makes sense, yet, Pokémon's creators seems almost excessively attentive with Bonsly's hole. Even merchandise such as Bonsly plush toys ensure they feature a hollow cavern on the underside of the tree-like Pokémon. It doesn't matter whether the portrayal of the Pokémon is crying or calm: It features hole. This hole represents a key element of Bonsly's design. Bonsly #71 turned into an internet joke among fans because of that drainage hole, in addition to its unique position. For years before, Bonsly #71 remained the sole iteration featuring Bonsly included in the series where many of its monsters are commonly shown in dozens of different ways. For sixteen years, if you wanted a card of Bonsly, you needed to accept for hole Bonsly.

A Growing Obsession

"When I saw this card on the list of infamous cards, I realized I discovered the one for me," she explains over email, mentioning how she felt astonished that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She admits freely to state her passion for the Bonsly card has no real value, but she didn't care. The liking evolved into a full-blown obsession, as she acquired all copies of this card available to her. She adopted a practice of going to her favorite shop on a weekly basis, and became known to the employees as the Bonsly fan. The store began reserving all incoming this specific card that came in only for her. The majority of these are priced at one to three dollars, she notes, estimating that she's spent about $400 for the collection book.

Market Trends and Value

Currently, pristine Bonsly #71 cards might be valued at around fifteen dollars. Although that is expensive, run-of-the-mill versions usually go for $4 and above. The upward trend roughly aligns with her starting point her collection in earnest, though there are likely various influences. Even though this card is famous with enthusiasts, Hopkins's posts about it have attracted millions of views. As news about this card expands further among more people, it's possible that the value of these cards may continue to shoot up. At the very least, investors note that TCG prices are climbing currently overall.

Unstoppable Determination

Hopkins cannot be stopped, though.

"The amazing thing is some supporters and viewers on social media have shipped their Bonsly cards her way to expand the set, and she is preserving these cards protected always," Hopkins says. Rather than recoil in horror, fans feel admiration and motivation by this project.

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