She Has Amassed Numerous of Pokemon Hole Cards, and She's Unstoppable.

The Pokémon Company released collectors to the Pokémon TCG DP set in the year 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. On this artwork, the fourth generation stone creature is shown by designer Harada-san in an unusual position. Here, the predecessor to Sudowoodo appears fallen and crying. But don't misunderstand, however. As its move the move Fake Tears, the little creature aims to sway the other player's mood in the hopes of lowering their attack. Memorable card, no? Musician and harpist Emily is a firm believer. She possesses a binder filled with 305 Bonsly cards to show for it.

The Entire Assortment Including Rare Finds

However, that's not the whole collection also. She has acquired 20 reverse holographic versions featuring Bonsly, portraying the tyke with shiny foil covering everything except the primary illustration. The most valuable item, though, turns out to be the professionally graded PSA 6 holo reverse Bonsly card. Admittedly, it's far from a top-graded original Charizard card. But do you have a quirky, nearly pristine Bonsly card kept in its eternal glory? I thought as much.

How It All Began

Hopkins has spent most of the current year accumulating all available Bonsly cards from that year available on the market. She first heard about the out-of-print card in recent months, while debating the most infamous cards in the compendium with a staff member at a local shop. Omanyte in tears was a contender, just like the lonely Cubone at the theme park. Yet it was Bonsly crying, aka card number 17, that grabbed her interest.

The Concept of Bonsly

The design of Bonsly is based from miniature trees, that are commonly placed in pots that have drainage holes. They are designed to support healthy development, so much so that fans advise one another to create openings into their pots if they don't already have one. They can also be positioned on low dishes hole-free, referred to as suiban, where the water stays can help growers decorate their plants to mimic nature vistas. Bonsly is the former, hence the hole.

Why Bonsly Stands Out

Although this makes sense, though, The Pokémon Company looks a bit a little too concerned about the drainage feature. Even merchandise including stuffed Bonsly always incorporate an empty space below of the tree-like Pokémon. It makes no difference if the illustration of the Pokémon appears sad or content: It will display a hole. This hole represents a fundamental aspect of Bonsly's design. This specific Bonsly card became a meme among fans because of that drainage hole, as well as its unique position. For years before, the card was the only version of Bonsly card printed in a game in which most Pokémon are commonly shown in dozens of different ways. For 16 years, should you desire this Pokémon card, you were stuck for hole Bonsly.

A Growing Obsession

"When I discovered this card on the list of infamous cards, I felt I located my new favorite," Emily states via email, mentioning how she was surprised to have missed it until then. She admits freely to tell you her fondness for the Bonsly card serves no practical purpose, but it didn't matter. The initial interest became an all-consuming hobby, as she acquired every Bonsly #71 card available to her. She soon developed a routine of visiting her local card shop every week, and earned the nickname to the employees as the Bonsly fan. The store began setting aside any recently acquired Bonsly #71 cards that came in only for her. The majority of these are priced at one to three dollars, she notes, approximating she's spent about $400 for the collection book.

Market Trends and Value

Currently, pristine Bonsly #71 cards can cost up to $14.99. Although that is expensive, ordinary copies usually go for starting at $4. This rise in cost roughly aligns with her starting point her collection in earnest, although there are probably several factors at play. Although this card is famous in the community, her online content about it have attracted countless views. As news regarding Bonsly #71 keeps growing to a wider audience, it is likely that the value of these cards may continue to shoot up. Regardless, enthusiasts note that trading card game values are skyrocketing this year in general.

No Signs of Stopping

Hopkins cannot be stopped, however.

"What's incredible is some supporters and fans of the YouTube channel have sent their own Bonsly cards her way to expand the set, and she is preserving these cards protected always," Emily states. Far from being alarmed, the audience are impressed and inspired by this project.

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

Steven Graves
Steven Graves

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering casino trends and slot innovations in the UK.