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The Pokémon Company introduced collectors to the trading card game DP expansion back in 2007, featuring the Bonsly card. On this artwork, the Gen 4 stone creature is shown by illustrator Midori Harada in a, shall we say, compromising position. In the image, the predecessor to Sudowoodo is depicted toppled and weeping. However, don't mistake this, however. As its move the move Fake Tears, this Pokémon aims to manipulate the other player's mood to reducing their offensive power. Unforgettable artwork, right? Electroacoustic harpist Hopkins is a firm believer. And she's got a collection book containing over 300 cards of Bonsly to show for it.

Her Complete Set and Its Highlights

But that isn't the whole collection as well. She has acquired twenty holo reverse versions of this particular card, portraying the small Pokémon in reflective foil covering everything except the primary illustration. The prized possession, though, is the PSA 6-graded holo reverse of Bonsly. Sure, it isn't a mint-condition original Charizard card. But do you have a quirky, almost perfect Bonsly card kept in all its splendor? Probably not.

Origins of the Collection

Emily dedicated a large part of this year gathering every 2007 Bonsly card that she could locate. She initially learned about the out-of-print card earlier this year, during a discussion the notoriously odd cards in the Pokémon TCG with an employee at her favorite card shop. The weeping Omanyte was in the running, along with the lonely Cubone on a park ride. However, the one that Bonsly crying, or the seventeenth card, that caught Hopkins's attention.

Behind Bonsly's Look

Bonsly draws clear inspiration on bonsai trees, which are typically planted in planters featuring holes for drainage. These are meant to help the plant grow, so much so that enthusiasts encourage each other to add holes on the bottom if holes are missing. Bonsai can also be placed on shallow pots lacking drainage, called suiban, and the retained water could aid growers arrange their bonsai to mimic nature vistas. Bonsly is the former, hence the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Despite this logical explanation, however, The Pokémon Company looks a bit excessively attentive about the drainage feature. Also, products such as Bonsly plush toys make sure to include an empty space on the underside of Bonsly. It makes no difference if the depiction of the Pokémon appears sad or at ease: It features hole. The opening is a fundamental aspect of Bonsly's design. Bonsly #71 became a meme in collector circles thanks to that drainage hole, and also because of its unique position. Up until last year, this Bonsly card was the only version of Bonsly card included in the series where numerous creatures are typically depicted in dozens of different ways. For 16 years, if you wanted a card of Bonsly, you had to settle with the hole version.

A Growing Obsession

"Upon noticing this card on the list of oddball cards, I felt I located my new favorite," Emily states via email, adding that she felt astonished to have missed it until then. She'll be the first to inform you her love of this particular card serves no practical purpose, yet that didn't stop her. The liking became a major fixation, as Hopkins bought all copies of this card she could possibly find. She soon developed a routine of going to her favorite shop every week, and became known by workers as the Bonsly fan. The shop started putting any new Bonsly #71 cards that came in exclusively for Emily. Typically, these cards cost between $1 and $3, she mentions, approximating she's spent about $400 just on the binder alone.

Market Trends and Value

Nowadays, excellent Bonsly #71 cards might be valued at $14.99. While that is a premium price, run-of-the-mill Bonsly #71 cards are often priced at starting at $4. The upward trend corresponds to her starting point her collection in earnest, although there are probably various influences. Even though this card is famous in the community, her online content regarding the card have also garnered a huge audience. As news of its existence expands further to new fans, it's possible that their market price may continue to shoot up. At the very least, enthusiasts note that TCG prices are climbing this year across the board.

Her Relentless Pursuit

Nothing can halt her, however.

"What's incredible remains that a few followers and fans of the YouTube channel have shipped their own Bonsly cards to Emily to expand the set, and they will remain these Bonsly safe forever," Emily states. Far from being alarmed, viewers are impressed and inspired by her collection.

"I've actually always wanted to attempt something similar," an observer mentions. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card