She's Collected Numerous of Pokémon Hole Cards, and You Can't Stop Her.
Pokémon creators unveiled fans to the trading card game Diamond & Pearl set back in 2007, showcasing the Bonsly card. On this artwork, the fourth generation rock-type is portrayed by illustrator the talented Harada in a, shall we say, compromising pose. On the card, this pre-evolution appears fallen and weeping. But don't misunderstand, however. Similar to its attack the move Fake Tears, Bonsly is trying to influence their opponent's emotions in the hopes of lowering their attack. Memorable card, no? Harp player Emily Hopkins absolutely agrees. And she's got a collection book with 305 Bonsly cards to show for it.
Her Complete Set with Key Pieces
However, that's not the full extent either. She has acquired 20 holo reverse editions of the Bonsly card, which depicts the tyke with shiny foil all over except the main image. The prized possession, however, is the PSA 6-graded holo reverse Bonsly edition. Admittedly, it isn't a high-grade Charizard illustration. Yet, do you possess a quirky, almost perfect card of Bonsly preserved in its eternal glory? Probably not.
How It All Began
Hopkins has spent a large part of this year stockpiling each Bonsly card from 2007 she can possibly find. She discovered regarding this discontinued card in recent months, during a discussion the most infamous cards in the Pokémon TCG with an employee at her favorite card shop. Crying Omanyte was in the running, along with Cubone by itself at the theme park. Yet it was Bonsly crying, also known as Bonsly #17, that caught Emily's focus.
Behind Bonsly's Look
Bonsly draws clear inspiration from miniature trees, which are typically planted in pots with holes at the bottom. They are designed to support healthy development, to the extent that fans advise one another to create openings into their pots if holes are missing. Additionally, bonsai may sit on shallow pots hole-free, referred to as suiban, and the retained water may assist growers decorate their plants to look like nature vistas. Bonsly fits the initial category, hence the hole.
The Infamous Hole Card
Despite this logical explanation, however, Pokémon's creators seems almost excessively attentive regarding the hole in Bonsly. Even merch including stuffed Bonsly make sure to include a hollow cavern on the underside of the tree-like Pokémon. It doesn't matter if the illustration of the Pokémon appears sad or at ease: It will display the hole. The hole is a fundamental aspect in Bonsly's appearance. Card number 71 gained meme status among fans both due to that drainage hole, in addition to its rarity. For years before, this Bonsly card was the single type of Bonsly card included in the series in which most Pokémon are commonly shown in dozens of different ways. For 16 years, were you seeking this Pokémon card, you had to settle with the hole version.
Emily's Dedication
"When I discovered Bonsly among the selections of these cursed cards, I felt I discovered the one for me," she explains in a message, mentioning how she felt astonished to have never seen it before. She is quick to tell you her fondness for Bonsly #71 is completely useless, but it didn't matter. The initial interest turned into a major fixation, as she acquired all copies of this card available to her. She adopted a habit of stopping by her favorite shop on a weekly basis, and earned the nickname among the staff as the Bonsly collector. The store began putting any new Bonsly #71 cards that came in exclusively for Emily. The majority of these cost between $1 and $3, she says, estimating that she's spent approximately four hundred dollars for the collection book.
The Financial Side
Currently, mint-condition Bonsly #71 cards can cost up to nearly $15. While that is a premium price, ordinary copies tend to cost $4 and above. That price increase corresponds to the time Emily began collecting seriously, though there are likely several factors at play. While it's true that this card is famous with enthusiasts, her online content regarding the card have received millions of views. As news about this card expands further to a wider audience, it's possible that the price of Bonsly #71 cards may continue to shoot up. At the very least, collectors mention how TCG prices are climbing in 2025 overall.
Her Relentless Pursuit
Emily remains undeterred, however.
"The amazing thing is that a few followers and enthusiasts from her channel have sent their own Bonsly cards to Emily to expand the set, and they will remain these cards protected always," Hopkins says. Rather than recoil in horror, the audience feel admiration and motivation by her collection.
"I've actually always wanted to do this," one commenter says. "Purchase all of a common card|every copy of a common card
