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The makers of Pokémon released collectors to the trading card game DP edition in the year 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. On this artwork, Gen IV Rock Pokémon is shown by illustrator Midori Harada in a, shall we say, compromising situation. Here, the predecessor to Sudowoodo is depicted toppled and crying. However, don't mistake this, however. Similar to its attack the move Fake Tears, this Pokémon is trying to manipulate the foe's feelings with the goal of decreasing their offensive power. Iconic piece, isn't it? Musician and harpist Hopkins certainly thinks so. She possesses a collection book containing over 300 Bonsly illustrations to show for it.

The Full Collection and Its Highlights

But that isn't the whole collection as well. She's got a score of holo reverse editions of the Bonsly card, portraying the tyke with shiny foil covering everything except the main image. The crown jewel, yet, turns out to be the professionally graded PSA 6 holo reverse Bonsly card. Admittedly, it's far from a top-graded Charizard from the base set. However, can you claim an amusing, close to mint Bonsly card kept in all its splendor? Probably not.

Origins of the Collection

Emily dedicated much of 2025 gathering all available Bonsly cards from that year that she could locate. She discovered of this rare card earlier this year, while talking about the most cursed cards in the Pokémon TCG with an employee at a local shop. Omanyte in tears was in the running, just like the lonely Cubone on a park ride. But it was Crying Bonsly, also known as card number 17, that grabbed her interest.

Behind Bonsly's Look

Bonsly is obviously influenced from miniature trees, that are commonly placed in containers with holes at the bottom. These are meant to help the plant grow, in fact growers encourage each other to drill holes on the bottom if holes are missing. Additionally, bonsai may sit in shallow containers lacking drainage, known as suiban, where the water stays may assist enthusiasts decorate their plants to look like nature vistas. Bonsly represents the first type, hence the hole.

The Infamous Hole Card

Although this makes sense, however, Pokémon's creators seems almost excessively attentive regarding the hole in Bonsly. Even merchandise including stuffed Bonsly make sure to include an empty space below of this plant Pokémon. Regardless if the depiction of the Pokémon appears sad or content: It's going to show a hole. This hole represents a fundamental aspect of how Bonsly looks. Card number 71 gained meme status in collector circles because of that drainage hole, and also because of its unique position. Until recently, Bonsly #71 was the only version of Bonsly card printed in a game in which most Pokémon are commonly shown in various forms. For sixteen years, if you wanted a Bonsly card, you had to settle with the hole version.

A Growing Obsession

"When I discovered this card on the list of infamous cards, I knew I located my new favorite," Emily states via email, mentioning how she was surprised to have never seen it before. She is quick to inform you her passion for the Bonsly card serves no practical purpose, yet that didn't stop her. The appreciation evolved into a full-blown obsession, as Hopkins bought each available Bonsly card that she could get her hands on. She soon developed a habit of stopping by her local card shop every week, and was dubbed among the staff as "Bonsly Girl". The store began setting aside any recently acquired this specific card they obtained only for her. The majority of these cost between $1 and $3, she says, calculating that her total expenditure is approximately four hundred dollars only on the album itself.

Market Trends and Value

Currently, mint-condition the card may reach prices of nearly $15. While that is a premium price, standard versions are often priced at $4 and above. This rise in cost corresponds to her starting point her collection in earnest, but it's possible that multiple reasons. While it's true that this card is famous with enthusiasts, Hopkins's posts on it have attracted millions of views. As awareness regarding Bonsly #71 expands further to a wider audience, it's possible that the price of Bonsly #71 cards might increase even more. At the very least, investors note that trading card game values are skyrocketing in 2025 in general.

Her Relentless Pursuit

Emily remains undeterred, however.

"The wonderful part is some supporters and viewers from her channel have mailed their Bonsly cards to me for her album, and she is preserving these Bonsly safe forever," she declares. Rather than recoil in horror, fans are amazed and encouraged by her Bonsly binder.

"For years, I wished to try this," a viewer notes. "Purchase all of a common card|every copy of a common card