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Pokémon creators unveiled the world to the card series Diamond and Pearl set back in 2007, showcasing the Bonsly card. Within this depiction, the fourth generation rock-type is shown by artist Midori Harada in a, shall we say, compromising position. On the card, the predecessor to Sudowoodo appears fallen and crying. However, don't mistake this, however. Similar to its attack the move Fake Tears, this Pokémon attempts to sway the other player's mood in the hopes of reducing their attack. Memorable card, isn't it? Musician and harpist Hopkins certainly thinks so. She possesses an album with 305 Bonsly illustrations to prove it.

The Entire Assortment and Its Highlights

But that isn't everything she has either. She obtained 20 holo reverse versions featuring Bonsly, showing the tyke with shiny foil all over except the main image. The prized possession, yet, proves to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holo of Bonsly. Certainly, it's far from a top-graded Charizard illustration. However, can you claim a quirky, almost perfect card of Bonsly preserved in all its splendor? I thought as much.

Origins of the Collection

Hopkins has spent a large part of this year stockpiling each Bonsly card from 2007 that she could locate. She discovered about the out-of-print card at the start of the year, while debating the most infamous cards in the compendium with a staff member at her favorite card shop. Crying Omanyte was considered, along with the lonely Cubone on a park ride. However, the one that The sobbing Bonsly, also known as card number 17, that caught Hopkins's attention.

The Concept of Bonsly

The design of Bonsly is based on bonsai trees, which are often grown in containers with holes at the bottom. These holes are intended to aid growth, so much so that enthusiasts suggest to peers to create openings in their containers if holes are missing. Bonsai can also be placed on low dishes lacking drainage, referred to as suiban, where the water stays can help growers decorate their plants to mimic outdoor scenes. Bonsly is the former, which explains the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Although this makes sense, yet, The Pokémon Company appears somewhat excessively attentive about the drainage feature. Even merch such as Bonsly plush toys always incorporate a hollow cavern below of the tree-like Pokémon. It doesn't matter if the illustration of this particular Bonsly appears sad or calm: It will display the hole. This hole represents a fundamental aspect in Bonsly's appearance. Card number 71 turned into an internet joke within the community thanks to its distinctive hole, in addition to its unique position. Up until last year, Bonsly #71 was the single type featuring Bonsly released in the TCG in which most Pokémon are commonly shown in multiple editions. Over a decade and a half, should you desire this Pokémon card, you had to settle for hole Bonsly.

A Growing Obsession

"When I saw this card on the list of infamous cards, I felt I located my favorite one," Hopkins shares in a message, adding that she was surprised to have missed it until then. She'll be the first to inform you her fondness for Bonsly #71 serves no practical purpose, but it didn't matter. The initial interest evolved into an all-consuming hobby, as Hopkins bought all copies of this card that she could get her hands on. She quickly got into a habit of going to the nearby card store on a weekly basis, and was dubbed among the staff as "Bonsly Girl". The shop started reserving all incoming Bonsly #71 cards that came in only for her. The majority of these cost between $1 and $3, she notes, calculating that she's spent about $400 just on the binder alone.

The Financial Side

Currently, mint-condition Bonsly #71 cards can cost up to $14.99. While that's on the higher end, ordinary versions usually go for four dollars or more. This rise in cost roughly aligns with her starting point building her set, although there are probably several factors at play. Although the card is notorious in the community, her online content regarding the card have attracted countless views. With information of its existence expands further to a wider audience, there's a chance the price of Bonsly #71 cards could keep rising. At the very least, collectors say that TCG prices are skyrocketing this year overall.

Her Relentless Pursuit

Nothing can halt her, though.

"The wonderful part is a few followers and fans of the YouTube channel have shipped their Bonsly cards her way to expand the set, and she is preserving these Bonsly safe forever," she declares. Rather than recoil in horror, viewers are impressed and inspired by her collection.

"I've actually always wanted to try this," an observer mentions. "Acquire all of a common card|every copy of a common card