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The makers of Pokémon introduced the world to the card series DP edition in the year 2007, including a Bonsly trading card. In this card, Gen IV Rock Pokémon is shown by artist the talented Harada in a somewhat awkward pose. On the card, Bonsly, which evolves into Sudowoodo appears fallen and crying. But don't misunderstand, however. Similar to its attack Fake Tears suggests, this Pokémon attempts to influence the other player's mood in the hopes of lowering their damage output. Unforgettable artwork, right? Harp player Hopkins is a firm believer. She owns a binder filled with 305 cards of Bonsly to show for it.

The Entire Assortment and Its Highlights

That's not everything she has as well. She has acquired a score of holo reverse editions featuring Bonsly, showing the little guy with metallic accents covering everything except the central artwork. The prized possession, yet, turns out to be the PSA 6-graded holo reverse Bonsly edition. Admittedly, it's not a high-grade Charizard illustration. Yet, do you possess a quirky, nearly pristine Bonsly illustration kept in all its splendor? I didn't think so.

The Start of the Obsession

Hopkins has spent much of 2025 accumulating all available Bonsly cards from that year she can possibly find. She discovered about the out-of-print card earlier this year, during a discussion the notoriously odd cards among collectors with a staff member at her favorite card shop. Omanyte in tears was a contender, just like the lonely Cubone on a park ride. Yet it was The sobbing Bonsly, or Bonsly #17, that grabbed Emily's focus.

Behind Bonsly's Look

Bonsly draws clear inspiration by bonsai plants, that are commonly placed in pots featuring holes for drainage. These are meant to help the plant grow, 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 without holes, referred to as suiban, where the water stays may assist growers arrange their bonsai to mimic outdoor scenes. Bonsly fits the initial category, hence the hole.

Why Bonsly Stands Out

Even with this reasonable background, though, The company looks a bit excessively attentive about the drainage feature. Even merch such as Bonsly plush toys ensure they feature a cavity at the bottom of Bonsly. It makes no difference whether the portrayal of the Pokémon is weeping or at ease: It's going to show the hole. This hole represents an intrinsic part in Bonsly's appearance. Bonsly #71 became a meme in collector circles thanks to its distinctive hole, in addition to its status. For years before, the card was the only version of Bonsly card included in the series where numerous creatures are commonly shown in multiple editions. Over a decade and a half, were you seeking a card of Bonsly, you were stuck with the hole version.

The Collector's Passion

"When I saw Bonsly among the selections of infamous cards, I felt I discovered my new favorite," Hopkins shares over email, mentioning how it was unexpected that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She is quick to state her fondness for Bonsly #71 serves no practical purpose, yet that didn't stop her. The liking turned into a full-blown obsession, as she acquired each available Bonsly card available to her. She soon developed a routine of stopping by her favorite shop regularly, and was dubbed by workers as the Bonsly collector. The shop started setting aside any recently acquired copies of Bonsly #71 that came in aside just for Hopkins. Most of these cards are priced at one to three dollars, she notes, estimating that she has invested approximately four hundred dollars for the collection book.

Rising Prices

These days, mint-condition the card can cost up to nearly $15. While that's on the higher end, standard copies are often priced at $4 and above. That price increase corresponds to when Hopkins started building her set, though there are likely multiple reasons. While it's true that Bonsly #71 is well-known in the community, her online content on it have also garnered millions of views. With information of its existence expands further to a wider audience, it is likely that the value of these cards could keep rising. If nothing else, enthusiasts say that trading card game values are skyrocketing currently in general.

Unstoppable Determination

Hopkins cannot be stopped, though.

"The amazing thing is that some supporters and viewers of the YouTube channel have mailed copies of Bonsly her way to expand the set, and they will remain these cards protected always," Hopkins says. Far from being alarmed, viewers feel admiration and motivation by her collection.

"I've long desired to try this," one commenter says. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card