She Has Amassed Numerous of Pokemon Hole Cards, and She's Unstoppable.
Pokémon creators released fans to the Pokémon TCG Diamond and Pearl edition in the year 2007, featuring a Bonsly trading card. On this artwork, Gen IV stone creature is portrayed by artist Midori Harada in a somewhat awkward situation. On the card, this pre-evolution is depicted fallen and weeping. But don't misunderstand, however. Like its ability Fake Tears, the little creature aims to sway the foe's feelings in the hopes of decreasing their damage output. Memorable card, no? Harp player Emily Hopkins absolutely agrees. And she's got a binder filled with 305 Bonsly illustrations to prove it.
Her Complete Set with Key Pieces
But that isn't everything she has also. She's got a score of reverse foil editions of the Bonsly card, which depicts the tyke with metallic accents everywhere but the central artwork. The prized possession, though, turns out to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holographic of Bonsly. Sure, it isn't a top-graded Charizard from the base set. However, can you claim an amusing, close to mint Bonsly illustration preserved forever immortalized? I thought as much.
Origins of the Collection
Hopkins has spent a large part of this year accumulating every 2007 Bonsly card available on the market. She first heard of this rare card at the start of the year, during a discussion the notoriously odd cards among collectors with an employee at a local shop. Omanyte in tears was in the running, along with Cubone by itself at the theme park. However, the one that Crying Bonsly, or card number 17, which captured her interest.
Behind Bonsly's Look
The design of Bonsly is based on bonsai trees, which are typically planted in containers featuring holes for drainage. These are meant to help the plant grow, to the extent that growers encourage each other to create openings in their containers if holes are missing. Bonsai can also be placed on low dishes hole-free, known as suiban, where the water stays could aid caretakers arrange their bonsai to look like nature vistas. Bonsly fits the initial category, which explains the hole.
Why Bonsly Stands Out
Although this makes sense, yet, The company looks a bit overly focused about the drainage feature. Even merch like Bonsly plushes always incorporate an empty space on the underside of the tree-like Pokémon. It makes no difference if the depiction of this particular Bonsly appears sad or content: It's going to show a hole. The hole is an intrinsic part in Bonsly's appearance. Card number 71 turned into an internet joke among fans because of the famous hole, in addition to its rarity. Until recently, the card was the only version of Bonsly available printed in a game where many of its monsters are typically depicted in dozens of different ways. Over a decade and a half, should you desire a Bonsly card, you were stuck for hole Bonsly.
A Growing Obsession
"Upon noticing this card on the list of these cursed cards, I felt I had found my new favorite," Hopkins shares via email, noting that it was unexpected to have missed it until then. She is quick to state her fondness for this particular card has no real value, but it didn't matter. The liking turned into an all-consuming hobby, as Hopkins bought all copies of this card available to her. She quickly got into a practice of visiting her local card shop regularly, and earned the nickname to the employees as "Bonsly Girl". They started setting aside any recently acquired Bonsly #71 cards they obtained aside just for Hopkins. Most of these cards go for a few dollars, she mentions, approximating she's spent approximately four hundred dollars just on the binder alone.
Market Trends and Value
Currently, pristine the card may reach prices of $14.99. While that is a premium price, ordinary copies tend to cost four dollars or more. This rise in cost corresponds to her starting point collecting seriously, though there are likely several factors at play. While it's true that Bonsly #71 is well-known with enthusiasts, Hopkins's posts regarding the card have received countless views. With information of its existence expands further to a wider audience, there's a chance the price of Bonsly #71 cards might increase even more. Regardless, collectors note that TCG prices are soaring in 2025 in general.
No Signs of Stopping
Nothing can halt her, however.
"The amazing thing is that a few followers and viewers from her channel have sent copies of Bonsly to Emily to add to my collection, and I am keeping these cards protected always," Emily states. Rather than recoil in horror, the audience are amazed and encouraged by this project.
"I've actually always wanted to do this," an observer mentions. "Purchase all of a common card|every copy of a common card
