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Pokémon creators introduced collectors to the Pokémon TCG DP expansion during 2007, showcasing the Bonsly card. On this artwork, the Gen 4 rock-type is shown by illustrator Harada-san in a, shall we say, compromising position. In the image, the predecessor to Sudowoodo is depicted toppled and weeping. However, don't mistake this, though. As its move the move Fake Tears, Bonsly is trying to manipulate the other player's mood with the goal of decreasing their damage output. Memorable card, no? Harp player Emily Hopkins certainly thinks so. And she's got a binder with 305 Bonsly cards as evidence.

The Full Collection and Its Highlights

But that isn't everything she has as well. She's got a score of reverse holographic editions of the Bonsly card, which depicts the little guy with shiny foil all over except the primary illustration. The crown jewel, yet, is the PSA 6-rated reverse holographic Bonsly edition. Certainly, it isn't a high-grade Charizard from the base set. Yet, do you possess a goofy, almost perfect Bonsly card kept in its eternal glory? I didn't think so.

The Start of the Obsession

Hopkins has spent a large part of this year accumulating each Bonsly card from 2007 she can possibly find. She discovered of this rare card earlier this year, while talking about the most cursed cards among collectors with an employee at a local shop. Crying Omanyte was considered, along with the lonely Cubone in an amusement park. However, the one that Bonsly crying, also known as card number 17, that grabbed Emily's focus.

Behind Bonsly's Look

Bonsly is obviously influenced by bonsai plants, which are typically planted in containers featuring holes for drainage. They are designed to help the plant grow, to the extent that fans suggest to peers to add holes into their pots when none are present. Additionally, bonsai may sit on shallow pots hole-free, called suiban, where the water stays could aid growers arrange their bonsai to resemble natural landscapes. Bonsly represents the first type, hence the hole.

Why Bonsly Stands Out

Even with this reasonable background, however, The company appears somewhat excessively attentive about the drainage feature. Even merch such as Bonsly plush toys make sure to include a cavity below of this plant Pokémon. It doesn't matter whether the portrayal of the Pokémon appears sad or calm: It features a hole. The opening is a fundamental aspect in Bonsly's appearance. This specific Bonsly card turned into an internet joke among fans thanks to the famous hole, and also because of its rarity. For years before, the card was the only version featuring Bonsly printed in a game in which most Pokémon are typically depicted in various forms. For 16 years, were you seeking a Bonsly card, you needed to accept with this specific design.

Emily's Dedication

"Upon noticing this card on the list of these cursed cards, I felt I had found my favorite one," Hopkins shares via email, noting that she was surprised that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She is quick to inform you her love of the Bonsly card has no real value, yet that didn't stop her. The appreciation evolved into an all-consuming hobby, as she acquired every Bonsly #71 card available to her. She quickly got into a habit of stopping by her local card shop regularly, and was dubbed by workers as the Bonsly collector. They started reserving all incoming this specific card that came in only for her. Typically, these cards go for a few dollars, she notes, calculating that she has invested approximately four hundred dollars just on the binder alone.

Rising Prices

Nowadays, excellent Bonsly #71 cards may reach prices of around fifteen dollars. Although that is expensive, standard Bonsly #71 cards are often priced at starting at $4. That price increase corresponds to her starting point building her set, although there are probably various influences. Even though the card is notorious among collectors, Hopkins's posts on it have also garnered a huge audience. As awareness regarding Bonsly #71 keeps growing among more people, there's a chance the price of Bonsly #71 cards might increase even more. Regardless, enthusiasts mention how trading card game values are skyrocketing in 2025 overall.

No Signs of Stopping

Emily remains undeterred, though.

"What's incredible is a few followers and viewers on social media have sent copies of Bonsly her way for her album, and she is preserving these Bonsly safe forever," she declares. Far from being alarmed, fans are amazed and encouraged by her collection.

"I've long desired to do this," an observer mentions. "Purchase all of a common card|every copy of a common card