🔗 Share this article

The makers of Pokémon introduced fans to the Pokémon TCG Diamond & Pearl expansion in the year 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. On this artwork, the fourth generation Rock Pokémon is portrayed by illustrator Midori Harada in a somewhat awkward position. In the image, the predecessor to Sudowoodo is depicted knocked over and crying. Don't be fooled, though. Like its ability Fake Tears, Bonsly attempts to manipulate the other player's mood to decreasing their offensive power. Iconic piece, isn't it? Harp player Hopkins certainly thinks so. And she's got a binder containing over 300 cards of Bonsly to show for it.

Her Complete Set with Key Pieces

That's not the full extent also. She has acquired a score of reverse holographic versions featuring Bonsly, showing the tyke with metallic accents everywhere but the central artwork. The most valuable item, yet, is the PSA 6-rated holo reverse of Bonsly. Certainly, it isn't a high-grade Charizard from the base set. However, can you claim a goofy, nearly pristine Bonsly card maintained forever immortalized? Probably not.

How It All Began

Emily dedicated much of 2025 accumulating each Bonsly card from 2007 that she could locate. She first heard of this rare card at the start of the year, during a discussion the notoriously odd cards in the Pokémon TCG with an employee at her favorite card shop. Omanyte in tears was a contender, just like Cubone by itself on a park ride. However, the one that Bonsly crying, aka Bonsly #17, that caught Emily's focus.

The Design and Inspiration

Bonsly is obviously influenced from miniature trees, that are commonly placed in planters that have drainage holes. These are meant to help the plant grow, to the extent that enthusiasts advise one another to drill holes in their containers when none are present. Additionally, bonsai may sit on low dishes hole-free, known as suiban, and the retained water may assist growers arrange their bonsai to mimic outdoor scenes. Bonsly fits the initial category, hence the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Even with this reasonable background, however, The Pokémon Company seems almost excessively attentive about the drainage feature. Also, products like Bonsly plushes make sure to include an empty space below of the tree-like Pokémon. It doesn't matter if the depiction of this particular Bonsly appears sad or content: It's going to show the hole. The hole is an intrinsic part in Bonsly's appearance. Bonsly #71 turned into an internet joke among fans thanks to that drainage hole, as well as its status. Up until last year, Bonsly #71 was the single type of Bonsly card released in the TCG where numerous creatures usually appear in dozens of different ways. For sixteen years, should you desire this Pokémon card, you needed to accept with this specific design.

The Collector's Passion

"When I saw this card on the list of these cursed cards, I felt I located my new favorite," she explains over email, noting that it was unexpected to have never seen it before. She is quick to inform you her fondness for the Bonsly card has no real value, but it didn't matter. The appreciation turned into a major fixation, with Emily purchasing each available Bonsly card she could possibly find. She adopted a habit of stopping by her favorite shop on a weekly basis, and became known by workers as "Bonsly Girl". The shop started putting any new copies of Bonsly #71 they obtained only for her. The majority of these are priced at one to three dollars, she mentions, approximating her total expenditure is about $400 just on the binder alone.

Market Trends and Value

Currently, pristine the card might be valued at nearly $15. While that's on the higher end, run-of-the-mill Bonsly #71 cards are often priced at $4 and above. The upward trend corresponds to when Hopkins started building her set, but it's possible that several factors at play. While it's true that Bonsly #71 is well-known in the community, Hopkins's posts regarding the card have received countless views. As news of its existence continues to spread to new fans, it's possible that their market price could keep rising. Regardless, enthusiasts note that card market costs are skyrocketing this year in general.

Her Relentless Pursuit

Emily remains undeterred, yet.

"The amazing thing is that a few followers and enthusiasts on social media have shipped their Bonsly cards her way to add to my collection, and I am keeping them secure indefinitely," Hopkins says. Rather than recoil in horror, fans feel admiration and motivation by this project.

"For years, I wished to do this," a viewer notes. "Purchase all of a common card|every copy of a common card