🔗 Share this article

The Pokémon Company released the world to the Pokémon TCG DP edition back in 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. Within this depiction, Gen IV Rock Pokémon is shown by illustrator Midori Harada in an unusual situation. On the card, the predecessor to Sudowoodo is depicted knocked over and weeping. Don't be fooled, though. As its move the move Fake Tears, the little creature aims to manipulate their opponent's emotions to lowering their damage output. Iconic piece, no? Musician and harpist Emily is a firm believer. And she's got a collection book containing over 300 Bonsly cards to prove it.

The Full Collection Including Rare Finds

But that isn't the full extent either. She has acquired twenty holo reverse editions of the Bonsly card, portraying the small Pokémon in reflective foil covering everything except the central artwork. The prized possession, though, turns out to be the professionally graded PSA 6 reverse holographic of Bonsly. Admittedly, it isn't a high-grade Charizard from the base set. Yet, do you possess a goofy, almost perfect card of Bonsly maintained in its eternal glory? I didn't think so.

The Start of the Obsession

Hopkins has spent much of 2025 stockpiling every 2007 Bonsly card she can possibly find. She first heard regarding this discontinued card at the start of the year, while debating the most cursed cards in the Pokémon TCG with a staff member in a nearby store. The weeping Omanyte was a contender, just like the forever alone Cubone at the theme park. However, the one that Bonsly crying, also known as the seventeenth card, that caught Emily's focus.

The Concept of Bonsly

Bonsly is obviously influenced from miniature trees, which are typically planted in planters featuring holes for drainage. These are meant to help the plant grow, so much so that fans suggest to peers to add holes in their containers if holes are missing. Bonsai can also be placed on low dishes hole-free, known as suiban, where the water stays may assist enthusiasts arrange their bonsai to mimic nature vistas. Bonsly fits the initial category, hence the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Despite this logical explanation, however, The Pokémon Company seems almost overly focused with Bonsly's hole. Also, products such as Bonsly plush toys ensure they feature an empty space at the bottom of the tree-like Pokémon. Regardless if the depiction of Bonsly in question appears sad or content: It's going to show hole. The hole is a fundamental aspect of how Bonsly looks. This specific Bonsly card turned into an internet joke in collector circles both due to its distinctive hole, in addition to its rarity. Up until last year, Bonsly #71 was the single type featuring Bonsly included in the series where many of its monsters usually appear in multiple editions. Over a decade and a half, if you wanted a card of Bonsly, you were stuck for hole Bonsly.

Emily's Dedication

"When I discovered Bonsly among the selections of these cursed cards, I felt I had found the one for me," Emily states via email, mentioning how it was unexpected that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She'll be the first to state her love of Bonsly #71 serves no practical purpose, but she didn't care. The initial interest evolved into an all-consuming hobby, as Hopkins bought every Bonsly #71 card available to her. She quickly got into a routine of visiting the nearby card store on a weekly basis, and was dubbed by workers as "Bonsly Girl". The store began reserving all incoming Bonsly #71 cards it received only for her. The majority of these go for a few dollars, she notes, estimating that she's spent approximately four hundred dollars for the collection book.

Market Trends and Value

These days, pristine Bonsly #71 cards may reach prices of $14.99. While that's on the higher end, ordinary Bonsly #71 cards tend to cost starting at $4. This rise in cost more or less coincides with when Hopkins started building her set, although there are probably various influences. Even though the card is notorious with enthusiasts, her online content about it have attracted countless views. With information about this card expands further to new fans, there's a chance their market price may continue to shoot up. Regardless, collectors say that card market costs are climbing this year across the board.

No Signs of Stopping

Nothing can halt her, yet.

"What's incredible remains that some supporters and fans from her channel have shipped their own Bonsly cards her way to expand the set, and they will remain them secure indefinitely," she declares. Instead of being put off, fans feel admiration and motivation by her collection.

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