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The makers of Pokémon released collectors to the Pokémon TCG DP set back in 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. In this card, the Gen 4 stone creature is shown by designer Harada-san in a somewhat awkward position. On the card, Bonsly, which evolves into Sudowoodo can be seen knocked over and crying. But don't misunderstand, though. As its move Fake Tears suggests, Bonsly aims to sway the other player's mood with the goal of decreasing their attack. Unforgettable artwork, right? Musician and harpist Emily Hopkins absolutely agrees. And she's got a binder containing over 300 cards of Bonsly to prove it.

Her Complete Set with Key Pieces

However, that's not the whole collection as well. She has acquired 20 holo reverse copies of this particular card, portraying the small Pokémon with metallic accents all over except the central artwork. The prized possession, yet, turns out to be the PSA 6-rated holo reverse Bonsly card. Admittedly, it's not a high-grade Charizard illustration. But do you have a goofy, nearly pristine Bonsly card maintained forever immortalized? I thought as much.

How It All Began

Emily dedicated much of 2025 accumulating all available Bonsly cards from that year she can possibly find. She first heard regarding this discontinued card earlier this year, during a discussion the notoriously odd cards among collectors with a staff member at her favorite card shop. The weeping Omanyte was in the running, just like the forever alone Cubone at the theme park. But it was Bonsly crying, aka card number 17, that grabbed her interest.

The Design and Inspiration

Bonsly is obviously influenced from miniature trees, which are typically planted in planters with holes at the bottom. These holes are intended to aid growth, 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 lacking drainage, known as suiban, where the water stays could aid growers style their trees to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly represents the first type, which explains the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Although this makes sense, yet, The Pokémon Company looks a bit excessively attentive regarding the hole in Bonsly. Also, products like Bonsly plushes ensure they feature an empty space on the underside of Bonsly. Regardless if the illustration of the Pokémon is weeping or content: It features hole. This hole represents an intrinsic part in Bonsly's appearance. Bonsly #71 turned into an internet joke in collector circles because of the famous hole, as well as its unique position. For years before, this Bonsly card was the single type featuring Bonsly released in the TCG where numerous creatures are commonly shown in various forms. For 16 years, if you wanted a Bonsly card, you needed to accept with the hole version.

The Collector's Passion

"Upon noticing this card on the list of these cursed cards, I knew I had found my favorite one," she explains in a message, mentioning how she felt astonished to have never seen it before. She'll be the first to state her fondness for Bonsly #71 has no real value, but she didn't care. The initial interest turned into an all-consuming hobby, as Hopkins bought all copies of this card she could possibly find. She adopted a routine of stopping by the nearby card store every week, and earned the nickname among the staff as the Bonsly fan. The store began reserving all incoming Bonsly #71 cards they obtained aside just for Hopkins. The majority of these cost between $1 and $3, she says, calculating that her total expenditure is somewhere around $400 for the collection book.

Market Trends and Value

These days, mint-condition Bonsly #71 cards can cost up to $14.99. While that's on the higher end, ordinary copies tend to cost four dollars or more. This rise in cost more or less coincides with when Hopkins started her collection in earnest, although there are probably multiple reasons. While it's true that this card is famous in the community, Hopkins's posts on it have received a huge audience. As news of its existence expands further among more people, it is likely that the value of these cards could keep rising. Regardless, enthusiasts say that trading card game values are soaring this year in general.

Unstoppable Determination

Emily remains undeterred, however.

"What's incredible is that certain fans and enthusiasts from her channel have mailed their Bonsly cards to me for her album, and I am keeping these Bonsly safe forever," she declares. Far from being alarmed, the audience are amazed and encouraged by her collection.

"I've actually always wanted to try this," a viewer notes. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card