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The makers of Pokémon unveiled collectors to the Pokémon TCG DP edition during 2007, showcasing the Bonsly card. Within this depiction, the Gen 4 Rock Pokémon appears by illustrator the talented Harada in an unusual pose. In the image, this pre-evolution is depicted knocked over and weeping. Don't be fooled, though. Like its ability Fake Tears, the little creature attempts to sway the foe's feelings with the goal of decreasing their offensive power. Memorable card, isn't it? Electroacoustic harpist Emily absolutely agrees. She owns a collection book filled with 305 cards of Bonsly to prove it.

The Full Collection with Key Pieces

However, that's not everything she has also. She has acquired a score of reverse holographic versions of the Bonsly card, which depicts the tyke with metallic accents covering everything except the central artwork. The most valuable item, though, proves to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holographic of Bonsly. Sure, it isn't a top-graded Charizard from the base set. But do you have a goofy, almost perfect Bonsly illustration maintained in its eternal glory? I thought as much.

The Start of the Obsession

Emily dedicated a large part of this year gathering all available Bonsly cards from that year she can possibly find. She first heard about the out-of-print card at the start of the year, during a discussion the most cursed cards in the compendium with a worker in a nearby store. Crying Omanyte was in the running, along with the forever alone Cubone on a park ride. But it was Crying Bonsly, also known as Bonsly #17, that grabbed Hopkins's attention.

The Design and Inspiration

Bonsly is obviously influenced on bonsai trees, which are typically planted in planters featuring holes for drainage. These holes are intended to help the plant grow, so much so that enthusiasts suggest to peers to create openings into their pots if they don't already have one. They can also be positioned in shallow containers lacking drainage, called suiban, where the water stays can help caretakers arrange their bonsai to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly represents the first type, thus the hole exists.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Despite this logical explanation, however, Pokémon's creators seems almost a little too concerned regarding the hole in Bonsly. Also, products such as Bonsly plush toys always incorporate an empty space below of Bonsly. Regardless if the illustration of the Pokémon is crying or calm: It's going to show the hole. This hole represents a key element in Bonsly's appearance. Bonsly #71 became a meme in collector circles both due to that drainage hole, as well as its rarity. For years before, Bonsly #71 was the only version of Bonsly available included in the series where numerous creatures are commonly shown in various forms. For sixteen years, were you seeking a card of Bonsly, you had to settle with this specific design.

The Collector's Passion

"When I discovered Bonsly among the selections of these cursed cards, I knew I located my new favorite," she explains via email, adding that it was unexpected to have missed it until then. She'll be the first to inform you her passion for Bonsly #71 serves no practical purpose, yet that didn't stop her. The liking evolved into an all-consuming hobby, with Emily purchasing every Bonsly #71 card that she could get her hands on. She soon developed a habit of stopping by her local card shop on a weekly basis, and was dubbed by workers as the Bonsly fan. The shop started reserving all incoming copies of Bonsly #71 they obtained aside just for Hopkins. The majority of these go for a few dollars, she notes, estimating that she has invested somewhere around $400 only on the album itself.

The Financial Side

Nowadays, pristine Bonsly #71 cards might be valued at $14.99. While that's on the higher end, standard Bonsly #71 cards usually go for starting at $4. That price increase corresponds to the time Emily began her collection in earnest, but it's possible that multiple reasons. Even though Bonsly #71 is well-known with enthusiasts, Hopkins's posts regarding the card have also garnered countless views. With information about this card continues to spread among more people, it's possible that the value of these cards may continue to shoot up. Regardless, collectors note that card market costs are climbing currently in general.

No Signs of Stopping

Nothing can halt her, though.

"What's incredible remains that some supporters and viewers of the YouTube channel have sent their own Bonsly cards to me to expand the set, and I am keeping these Bonsly safe forever," she declares. Far from being alarmed, fans are amazed and encouraged by her Bonsly binder.

"For years, I wished to attempt something similar," an observer mentions. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card