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The Pokémon Company unveiled collectors to the trading card game Diamond and Pearl expansion back in 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. In this card, Gen IV Rock Pokémon appears by artist Harada-san in a, shall we say, compromising situation. On the card, the predecessor to Sudowoodo appears knocked over and shedding tears. But don't misunderstand, yet. Like its ability Fake Tears suggests, the little creature attempts to influence the other player's mood in the hopes of reducing their damage output. Memorable card, right? Harp player Emily Hopkins absolutely agrees. She owns an album containing over 300 cards of Bonsly to prove it.

Her Complete Set Including Rare Finds

That's not the whole collection also. She's got a score of reverse holographic copies of this particular card, which depicts the small Pokémon with shiny foil everywhere but the primary illustration. The prized possession, yet, is the PSA 6-graded reverse holographic Bonsly edition. Admittedly, it's not a high-grade Charizard illustration. However, can you claim a quirky, nearly pristine Bonsly card kept in all its splendor? Probably not.

Origins of the Collection

Emily dedicated much of 2025 stockpiling all available Bonsly cards from that year she can possibly find. She initially learned about the out-of-print card in recent months, while talking about the most cursed cards in the compendium with a staff member at her favorite card shop. Crying Omanyte was in the running, as was the forever alone Cubone at the theme park. However, the one that Bonsly crying, aka Bonsly #17, that grabbed her interest.

Behind Bonsly's Look

The design of Bonsly is based from miniature trees, which are typically planted in pots that have drainage holes. These are meant to support healthy development, so much so that enthusiasts advise one another to create openings in their containers if they don't already have one. Additionally, bonsai may sit on low dishes without holes, referred to as suiban, and the collected moisture could aid enthusiasts decorate their plants to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly represents the first type, thus the hole exists.

The Infamous Hole Card

Despite this logical explanation, though, The company appears somewhat overly focused regarding the hole in Bonsly. Even merch like Bonsly plushes make sure to include a hollow cavern below of this plant Pokémon. It doesn't matter if the illustration of this particular Bonsly is crying or at ease: It will display the hole. The opening is a key element of Bonsly's design. This specific Bonsly card became a meme in collector circles thanks to its distinctive hole, and also because of its rarity. For years before, this Bonsly card was the single type of Bonsly available included in the series where numerous creatures are typically depicted in multiple editions. For 16 years, should you desire this Pokémon card, you had to settle for hole Bonsly.

Emily's Dedication

"Upon noticing this card on the list of oddball cards, I knew I had found my favorite one," Emily states in a message, mentioning how she was surprised that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She is quick to inform you her passion for the Bonsly card has no real value, yet that didn't stop her. The initial interest evolved into a major fixation, as Hopkins bought all copies of this card that she could get her hands on. She soon developed a habit of going to her favorite shop regularly, and earned the nickname to the employees as the Bonsly collector. They started putting any new this specific card that came in exclusively for Emily. Typically, these cards go for a few dollars, she notes, approximating her total expenditure is approximately four hundred dollars for the collection book.

The Financial Side

Nowadays, pristine Bonsly #71 cards may reach prices of around fifteen dollars. While that is a premium price, ordinary versions are often priced at $4 and above. This rise in cost roughly aligns with the time Emily began building her set, though there are likely various influences. Even though Bonsly #71 is well-known in the community, Emily's social media updates regarding the card have attracted a huge audience. As news regarding Bonsly #71 keeps growing to new fans, there's a chance the value of these cards might increase even more. Regardless, collectors mention how TCG prices are climbing this year across the board.

No Signs of Stopping

Emily remains undeterred, yet.

"What's incredible is that a few followers and fans from her channel have shipped their own Bonsly cards her way to add to my collection, and I am keeping these cards protected always," Hopkins says. Far from being alarmed, viewers feel admiration and motivation by her collection.

"I've long desired to attempt something similar," one commenter says. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card