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Pokémon creators unveiled fans to the trading card game Diamond and Pearl expansion during 2007, showcasing the Bonsly card. Within this depiction, Gen IV rock-type is shown by illustrator the talented Harada in an unusual pose. In the image, the predecessor to Sudowoodo can be seen fallen and shedding tears. Don't be fooled, however. As its move the move Fake Tears, the little creature is trying to sway the foe's feelings in the hopes of lowering their damage output. Unforgettable artwork, right? Electroacoustic harpist Emily Hopkins is a firm believer. And she's got a binder with 305 cards of Bonsly to show for it.

The Full Collection and Its Highlights

But that isn't the full extent also. She has acquired a score of reverse holographic editions of this particular card, portraying the little guy with shiny foil all over except the central artwork. The most valuable item, however, turns out to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holo Bonsly card. Admittedly, it isn't a high-grade Charizard illustration. Yet, do you possess a quirky, nearly pristine Bonsly illustration maintained in its eternal glory? I thought as much.

How It All Began

Hopkins has spent a large part of this year accumulating each Bonsly card from 2007 that she could locate. She first heard regarding this discontinued card earlier this year, while debating the most infamous cards in the compendium with a staff member in a nearby store. The weeping Omanyte was in the running, as was the forever alone Cubone at the theme park. But it was The sobbing Bonsly, also known as the seventeenth card, that grabbed Hopkins's attention.

The Design and Inspiration

Bonsly is obviously influenced on bonsai trees, that are commonly placed in planters featuring holes for drainage. These holes are intended to aid growth, so much so that fans encourage each other to add holes on the bottom when none are present. They can also be positioned on low dishes without holes, called suiban, and the retained water could aid enthusiasts decorate their plants to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly fits the initial category, thus the hole exists.

Why Bonsly Stands Out

Despite this logical explanation, though, Pokémon's creators seems almost overly focused about the drainage feature. Even merch including stuffed Bonsly ensure they feature a hollow cavern on the underside of the tree-like Pokémon. It doesn't matter if the illustration of Bonsly in question is weeping or content: It features hole. The hole is an intrinsic part of how Bonsly looks. This specific Bonsly card gained meme status in collector circles thanks to its distinctive hole, as well as its rarity. For years before, Bonsly #71 was the only version featuring Bonsly included in the series where many of its monsters are typically depicted in dozens of different ways. Over a decade and a half, were you seeking a Bonsly 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," Emily states in a message, mentioning how she was surprised to have never seen it before. She is quick to inform you her passion for this particular card has no real value, yet that didn't stop her. The liking turned into an all-consuming hobby, as Hopkins bought all copies of this card she could possibly find. She quickly got into a habit of visiting the nearby card store regularly, and earned the nickname among the staff as the Bonsly collector. The store began setting aside any recently acquired this specific card they obtained exclusively for Emily. Typically, these cards are priced at one to three dollars, she says, estimating that her total expenditure is approximately four hundred dollars for the collection book.

Market Trends and Value

Currently, mint-condition this Bonsly card might be valued at nearly $15. Although that is expensive, standard versions usually go for four dollars or more. The upward trend roughly aligns with her starting point building her set, but it's possible that various influences. Even though the card is notorious in the community, Emily's social media updates regarding the card have received a huge audience. As news of its existence keeps growing among more people, there's a chance their market price could keep rising. At the very least, investors note that card market costs are soaring currently in general.

Unstoppable Determination

Emily remains undeterred, though.

"The wonderful part is that a few followers and viewers of the YouTube channel have shipped copies of Bonsly to Emily to add to my collection, and they will remain these Bonsly safe forever," Hopkins says. Far from being alarmed, fans are impressed and inspired by her collection.

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