The makers of Pokémon unveiled fans to the Pokémon TCG DP expansion during 2007, showcasing the Bonsly card. In this card, the fourth generation stone creature is portrayed by artist Midori Harada in an unusual situation. Here, the predecessor to Sudowoodo can be seen knocked over and shedding tears. However, don't mistake this, however. As its move the move Fake Tears, Bonsly is trying to influence their opponent's emotions with the goal of reducing their offensive power. Iconic piece, right? Electroacoustic harpist Hopkins is a firm believer. She possesses an album filled with 305 Bonsly illustrations to show for it.
The Full Collection Including Rare Finds
But that isn't the whole collection as well. She has acquired twenty reverse foil copies of this particular card, portraying the little guy in reflective foil all over except the main image. The most valuable item, yet, turns out to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holographic of Bonsly. Sure, it's far from a top-graded Charizard from the base set. But do you have a goofy, nearly pristine Bonsly illustration kept in all its splendor? I didn't think so.
The Start of the Obsession
Emily dedicated a large part of this year stockpiling all available Bonsly cards from that year that she could locate. She discovered regarding this discontinued card at the start of the year, while debating the most infamous cards among collectors with an employee in a nearby store. The weeping Omanyte was in the running, along with Cubone by itself in an amusement park. Yet it was The sobbing Bonsly, or Bonsly #17, that caught her interest.
The Concept of Bonsly
Bonsly draws clear inspiration from miniature trees, which are typically planted in containers with holes at the bottom. These holes are intended to support healthy development, to the extent that fans encourage each other to create openings in their containers if holes are missing. Bonsai can also be placed on shallow pots hole-free, known as suiban, where the water stays could aid enthusiasts decorate their plants to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly is the former, thus the hole exists.
Why Bonsly Stands Out
Although this makes sense, however, The Pokémon Company looks a bit overly focused with Bonsly's hole. Also, products like Bonsly plushes make sure to include a cavity at the bottom of Bonsly. Regardless whether the portrayal of the Pokémon is crying or at ease: It's going to show the hole. The opening is a fundamental aspect of Bonsly's design. Card number 71 turned into an internet joke among fans thanks to the famous hole, in addition to its rarity. Until recently, the card was the only version of Bonsly card included in the series in which most Pokémon are commonly shown in multiple editions. Over a decade and a half, if you wanted this Pokémon card, you had to settle with the hole version.
A Growing Obsession
"When I discovered this card on the list of oddball cards, I knew I located my favorite one," Emily states in a message, adding that she felt astonished to have missed it until then. She is quick to inform you her passion for the Bonsly card has no real value, but it didn't matter. The initial interest evolved into a full-blown obsession, as she acquired every Bonsly #71 card that she could get her hands on. She quickly got into a routine of visiting her favorite shop regularly, and earned the nickname among the staff as the Bonsly collector. The store began reserving all incoming Bonsly #71 cards it received exclusively for Emily. Typically, these cards cost between $1 and $3, she notes, estimating that she's spent approximately four hundred dollars for the collection book.
Rising Prices
Currently, mint-condition the card might be valued at nearly $15. While that is a premium price, standard Bonsly #71 cards tend to cost starting at $4. That price increase more or less coincides with when Hopkins started her collection in earnest, although there are probably various influences. While it's true that this card is famous with enthusiasts, Hopkins's posts regarding the card have received a huge audience. As awareness about this card expands further to new fans, it is likely that the value of these cards could keep rising. If nothing else, investors mention how card market costs are skyrocketing currently in general.
No Signs of Stopping
Emily remains undeterred, though.
"The amazing thing is a few followers and enthusiasts on social media have mailed their Bonsly cards her way to expand the set, and I am keeping them secure indefinitely," she declares. Far from being alarmed, fans are amazed and encouraged by her collection.
"For years, I wished to attempt something similar," a viewer notes. "Acquire all of a common card|every copy of a common card
