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The Pokémon Company unveiled collectors to the Pokémon TCG Diamond and Pearl set during 2007, showcasing the Bonsly card. Within this depiction, the Gen 4 Rock Pokémon is shown by artist Harada-san in a somewhat awkward situation. On the card, this pre-evolution is depicted toppled and shedding tears. Don't be fooled, though. As its move Fake Tears suggests, Bonsly attempts to influence their opponent's emotions to lowering their offensive power. Iconic piece, right? Harp player Hopkins certainly thinks so. She possesses an album containing over 300 cards of Bonsly as evidence.

Her Complete Set Including Rare Finds

However, that's not everything she has also. She obtained a score of reverse foil editions of the Bonsly card, which depicts the little guy with shiny foil all over except the primary illustration. The prized possession, though, proves to be the professionally graded PSA 6 reverse holographic of Bonsly. Admittedly, it's far from a mint-condition Charizard illustration. However, can you claim a quirky, almost perfect Bonsly card preserved in its eternal glory? I didn't think so.

The Start of the Obsession

Hopkins has spent most of the current year gathering every 2007 Bonsly card she can possibly find. She discovered regarding this discontinued card earlier this year, while debating the notoriously odd cards in the compendium with a staff member at her favorite card shop. Crying Omanyte was considered, as was Cubone by itself on a park ride. Yet it was Crying Bonsly, also known as card number 17, which captured Emily's focus.

The Design and Inspiration

Bonsly is obviously influenced by bonsai plants, that are commonly placed in planters that have drainage holes. These are meant to help the plant grow, in fact enthusiasts encourage each other to drill holes in their containers when none are present. They can also be positioned in shallow containers lacking drainage, known as suiban, and the retained water could aid caretakers decorate their plants to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly represents the first type, hence the hole.

A Memorable and Notorious Card

Although this makes sense, however, The Pokémon Company looks a bit excessively attentive about the drainage feature. Even merchandise such as Bonsly plush toys make sure to include a hollow cavern below of the tree-like Pokémon. It makes no difference if the depiction of the Pokémon is crying or content: It's going to show a hole. This hole represents a fundamental aspect in Bonsly's appearance. Card number 71 became a meme among fans both due to that drainage hole, in addition to its rarity. Up until last year, the card was the only version of Bonsly available printed in a game in which most Pokémon usually appear in dozens of different ways. 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 discovered Bonsly among the selections of infamous cards, I knew I discovered my new favorite," Emily states over email, mentioning how it was unexpected that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She'll be the first to inform you her passion for Bonsly #71 serves no practical purpose, but it didn't matter. The appreciation turned into a major fixation, as she acquired every Bonsly #71 card that she could get her hands on. She quickly got into a practice of visiting her local card shop every week, and earned the nickname by workers as the Bonsly fan. They started putting any new Bonsly #71 cards it received exclusively for Emily. Typically, these cards go for a few dollars, she mentions, approximating she's spent about $400 just on the binder alone.

Market Trends and Value

Currently, pristine this Bonsly card may reach prices of nearly $15. Although that is expensive, ordinary Bonsly #71 cards are often priced at starting at $4. The upward trend roughly aligns with when Hopkins started collecting seriously, although there are probably multiple reasons. While it's true that Bonsly #71 is well-known in the community, Emily's social media updates about it have received countless views. As awareness of its existence continues to spread among more people, it is likely that the price of Bonsly #71 cards might increase even more. At the very least, enthusiasts mention how trading card game values are skyrocketing this year in general.

No Signs of Stopping

Emily remains undeterred, though.

"The amazing thing remains that some supporters and enthusiasts from her channel have shipped copies of Bonsly her way to add to my collection, and they will remain these Bonsly safe forever," Emily states. Instead of being put off, fans are amazed and encouraged by this project.

"I've actually always wanted to attempt something similar," an observer mentions. "Purchase all of a common card|every copy of a common card