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The Pokémon Company released the world to the Pokémon TCG DP set back in 2007, showcasing a Bonsly trading card. On this artwork, the Gen 4 Rock Pokémon appears by artist Midori Harada in an unusual position. Here, Bonsly, which evolves into Sudowoodo is depicted toppled and weeping. Don't be fooled, though. As its move the move Fake Tears, the little creature is trying to influence the other player's mood to lowering their offensive power. Unforgettable artwork, isn't it? Musician and harpist Hopkins certainly thinks so. She owns an album filled with 305 Bonsly cards to prove it.

The Full Collection with Key Pieces

But that isn't everything she has as well. She obtained 20 holo reverse copies of this particular card, portraying the small Pokémon with shiny foil all over except the central artwork. The crown jewel, however, proves to be the PSA 6-graded reverse holographic of Bonsly. Certainly, it's not a top-graded original Charizard card. However, can you claim an amusing, nearly pristine Bonsly illustration maintained in all its splendor? Probably not.

The Start of the Obsession

Hopkins has spent a large part of this year accumulating each Bonsly card from 2007 that she could locate. She discovered about the out-of-print card in recent months, during a discussion the most cursed cards in the compendium with a worker in a nearby store. Omanyte in tears was in the running, as was Cubone by itself at the theme park. However, the one that Crying Bonsly, or Bonsly #17, that caught her interest.

The Design and Inspiration

Bonsly is obviously influenced from miniature trees, which are often grown in pots with holes at the bottom. These holes are intended to support healthy development, so much so that enthusiasts encourage each other to drill holes in their containers if they don't already have one. They can also be positioned on low dishes hole-free, known as suiban, and the retained water can help growers style their trees to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly is the former, which explains the hole.

Why Bonsly Stands Out

Although this makes sense, however, Pokémon's creators looks a bit overly focused about the drainage feature. Even merchandise such as Bonsly plush toys make sure to include an empty space at the bottom of the tree-like Pokémon. It makes no difference if the depiction of Bonsly in question is weeping or content: It features the hole. This hole represents a key element of how Bonsly looks. Bonsly #71 gained meme status in collector circles both due to its distinctive hole, and also because of its status. For years before, Bonsly #71 was the only version of Bonsly available printed in a game where numerous creatures are commonly shown in various forms. For 16 years, were you seeking a Bonsly card, you needed to accept with the hole version.

The Collector's Passion

"Upon noticing Bonsly in the list of these cursed cards, I knew I discovered my new favorite," Emily states in a message, adding that it was unexpected to have missed it until then. She admits freely to state her passion for the Bonsly card serves no practical purpose, but it didn't matter. The initial interest turned into a full-blown obsession, as she acquired every Bonsly #71 card that she could get her hands on. She adopted a habit of visiting her favorite shop on a weekly basis, and earned the nickname by workers as "Bonsly Girl". They started setting aside any recently acquired copies of Bonsly #71 they obtained aside just for Hopkins. The majority of these go for a few dollars, she mentions, approximating she has invested approximately four hundred dollars for the collection book.

Rising Prices

These days, mint-condition this Bonsly card can cost up to nearly $15. While that's on the higher end, ordinary Bonsly #71 cards usually go for starting at $4. That price increase more or less coincides with the time Emily began collecting seriously, although there are probably various influences. Although this card is famous among collectors, Emily's social media updates about it have received countless views. As awareness of its existence keeps growing among more people, there's a chance their market price could keep rising. Regardless, investors note that card market costs are skyrocketing in 2025 overall.

No Signs of Stopping

Nothing can halt her, though.

"What's incredible is that some supporters and viewers from her channel have shipped their Bonsly cards her way to expand the set, and they will remain these cards protected always," Emily states. Rather than recoil in horror, fans are impressed and inspired by this project.

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