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The Pokémon Company unveiled collectors to the card series Diamond and Pearl set in the year 2007, showcasing a Bonsly trading card. On this artwork, the fourth generation stone creature is shown by designer the talented Harada in an unusual position. On the card, this pre-evolution appears fallen and weeping. Don't be fooled, yet. Like its ability the move Fake Tears, Bonsly is trying to manipulate their opponent's emotions in the hopes of decreasing their offensive power. Memorable card, right? Electroacoustic harpist Hopkins certainly thinks so. And she's got a collection book containing over 300 cards of Bonsly to prove it.

The Full Collection with Key Pieces

But that isn't everything she has either. She's got twenty holo reverse versions featuring Bonsly, portraying the small Pokémon with metallic accents everywhere but the primary illustration. The crown jewel, yet, turns out to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holographic Bonsly edition. Admittedly, it isn't a mint-condition Charizard illustration. However, can you claim a goofy, almost perfect card of Bonsly maintained in all its splendor? I didn't think so.

How It All Began

Hopkins has spent most of the current year stockpiling every 2007 Bonsly card that she could locate. She discovered about the out-of-print card in recent months, while debating the most cursed cards in the compendium with a staff member in a nearby store. Crying Omanyte was a contender, along with Cubone by itself at the theme park. But it was Crying Bonsly, or card number 17, which captured Hopkins's attention.

The Design and Inspiration

The design of Bonsly is based from miniature trees, which are often grown in planters featuring holes for drainage. They are designed to aid growth, so much so that enthusiasts suggest to peers to add holes on the bottom if they don't already have one. Additionally, bonsai may sit on shallow pots hole-free, known as suiban, where the water stays may assist enthusiasts style their trees to resemble nature vistas. Bonsly represents the first type, thus the hole exists.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Despite this logical explanation, though, The Pokémon Company seems almost a little too concerned about the drainage feature. Also, products like Bonsly plushes make sure to include a hollow cavern on the underside of Bonsly. It makes no difference if the illustration of the Pokémon is weeping or at ease: It will display the hole. This hole represents a fundamental aspect of how Bonsly looks. Card number 71 turned into an internet joke in collector circles both due to its distinctive hole, as well as its status. Up until last year, Bonsly #71 remained the sole iteration of Bonsly available released in the TCG in which most Pokémon usually appear in various forms. Over a decade and a half, if you wanted a card of Bonsly, you had to settle with this specific design.

Emily's Dedication

"When I saw this card on the list of these cursed cards, I realized I had found the one for me," Hopkins shares via email, adding that she was surprised that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She admits freely to state her passion for the Bonsly card serves no practical purpose, yet that didn't stop her. The liking evolved into an all-consuming hobby, with Emily purchasing each available Bonsly card available to her. She soon developed a practice of visiting her favorite shop every week, and became known by workers as "Bonsly Girl". They started reserving all incoming Bonsly #71 cards that came in exclusively for Emily. Most of these cards go for a few dollars, she mentions, approximating she's spent about $400 for the collection book.

The Financial Side

Nowadays, excellent the card might be valued at $14.99. While that is a premium price, run-of-the-mill Bonsly #71 cards usually go for four dollars or more. The upward trend roughly aligns with when Hopkins started her collection in earnest, although there are probably various influences. Although Bonsly #71 is well-known in the community, Hopkins's posts on it have received countless views. As news regarding Bonsly #71 expands further among more people, it is likely that their market price might increase even more. If nothing else, investors note that card market costs are soaring currently across the board.

No Signs of Stopping

Nothing can halt her, though.

"What's incredible is that a few followers and fans from her channel have sent their own Bonsly cards to me to add to my collection, and she is preserving them secure indefinitely," she declares. Far from being alarmed, the audience are amazed and encouraged by her collection.

"I've long desired to attempt something similar," a viewer notes. "Acquire all of a common card|every copy of a common card