She's Gathered Countless of Pokemon Cards with Holes, and You Can't Stop Her.
The Pokémon Company introduced fans to the Pokémon TCG Diamond & Pearl set back in 2007, including a Bonsly trading card. On this artwork, Gen IV rock-type appears by designer Harada-san in a, shall we say, compromising position. Here, this pre-evolution is depicted knocked over and crying. Don't be fooled, yet. As its move the move Fake Tears, the little creature is trying to influence the foe's feelings with the goal of lowering their damage output. Iconic piece, isn't it? Harp player Emily Hopkins absolutely agrees. She owns a collection book with 305 cards of Bonsly to show for it.
The Full Collection Including Rare Finds
That's not the full extent also. She obtained twenty holo reverse copies featuring Bonsly, which depicts the little guy with metallic accents all over except the primary illustration. The most valuable item, however, turns out to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holographic of Bonsly. Admittedly, it isn't a top-graded original Charizard card. However, can you claim an amusing, nearly pristine card of Bonsly maintained in all its splendor? Probably not.
The Start of the Obsession
Hopkins has spent most of the current year stockpiling every 2007 Bonsly card she can possibly find. She discovered of this rare card earlier this year, while debating the most infamous cards in the compendium with a staff member in a nearby store. Omanyte in tears was a contender, as was Cubone by itself in an amusement park. Yet it was The sobbing Bonsly, or the seventeenth card, that caught Hopkins's attention.
Behind Bonsly's Look
The design of Bonsly is based from miniature trees, which are often grown in planters that have drainage holes. They are designed to support healthy development, to the extent that growers advise one another to drill holes into their pots if they don't already have one. Bonsai can also be placed in shallow containers hole-free, referred to as suiban, and the collected moisture can help enthusiasts arrange their bonsai to resemble nature vistas. Bonsly fits the initial category, hence the hole.
A Memorable and Notorious Card
Even with this reasonable background, yet, The Pokémon Company appears somewhat excessively attentive with Bonsly's hole. Also, products like Bonsly plushes ensure they feature a cavity at the bottom of this plant Pokémon. Regardless if the illustration of this particular Bonsly is weeping or at ease: It will display a hole. The hole is a fundamental aspect in Bonsly's appearance. This specific Bonsly card became a meme in collector circles because of that drainage hole, in addition to its unique position. For years before, Bonsly #71 was the single type of Bonsly card printed in a game in which most Pokémon are commonly shown in multiple editions. For 16 years, were you seeking this Pokémon card, you needed to accept with this specific design.
The Collector's Passion
"Upon noticing Bonsly among the selections of oddball cards, I knew I had found my new favorite," Emily states in a message, noting that she felt astonished to have missed it until then. She'll be the first to state her love of Bonsly #71 has no real value, but she didn't care. The initial interest became a full-blown obsession, as Hopkins bought every Bonsly #71 card she could possibly find. She adopted a routine of going to the nearby card store regularly, and was dubbed by workers as "Bonsly Girl". The store began putting any new Bonsly #71 cards they obtained aside just for Hopkins. Most of these cards go for a few dollars, she says, approximating she's spent about $400 for the collection book.
The Financial Side
Nowadays, excellent the card may reach prices of around fifteen dollars. Although that is expensive, standard copies usually go for starting at $4. That price increase more or less coincides with when Hopkins started her collection in earnest, although there are probably several factors at play. Although the card is notorious among collectors, Hopkins's posts on it have received countless views. As news of its existence continues to spread to new fans, it's possible that the price of Bonsly #71 cards could keep rising. Regardless, investors mention how card market costs are soaring in 2025 in general.
Her Relentless Pursuit
Hopkins cannot be stopped, yet.
"The amazing thing remains that some supporters and fans from her channel have mailed copies of Bonsly her way to expand the set, and they will remain them secure indefinitely," Hopkins says. Instead of being put off, viewers are impressed and inspired by her Bonsly binder.
"I've actually always wanted to try this," an observer mentions. "Purchase all of a common card|every copy of a common card
