She's Collected Numerous of Pokemon Drainage Hole Cards, and Nothing Can Halt Her.

The makers of Pokémon introduced collectors to the Pokémon TCG Diamond & Pearl expansion back in 2007, featuring the Bonsly card. In this card, the Gen 4 rock-type is portrayed by designer Harada-san in a, shall we say, compromising pose. On the card, this pre-evolution appears fallen and shedding tears. But don't misunderstand, however. Like its ability Fake Tears suggests, Bonsly attempts to manipulate the other player's mood with the goal of reducing their damage output. Unforgettable artwork, no? Harp player Hopkins absolutely agrees. She possesses a binder with 305 Bonsly cards to prove it.

The Entire Assortment with Key Pieces

But that isn't everything she has also. She has acquired twenty holo reverse editions of this particular card, portraying the small Pokémon with shiny foil all over except the main image. The crown jewel, however, proves to be the professionally graded PSA 6 reverse holographic Bonsly card. Admittedly, it's not a high-grade original Charizard card. Yet, do you possess a quirky, almost perfect Bonsly illustration preserved in all its splendor? I thought as much.

Origins of the Collection

Emily dedicated much of 2025 stockpiling all available Bonsly cards from that year that she could locate. She initially learned of this rare card in recent months, while debating the most infamous cards in the compendium with a worker at a local shop. Omanyte in tears was considered, just like Cubone by itself on a park ride. But it was The sobbing Bonsly, also known as Bonsly #17, that caught Emily's focus.

The Concept of Bonsly

Bonsly draws clear inspiration on bonsai trees, that are commonly placed in planters featuring holes for drainage. They are designed to help the plant grow, in fact growers advise one another to create openings into their pots if holes are missing. Additionally, bonsai may sit on low dishes without holes, called suiban, and the retained water could aid caretakers style their trees to mimic natural landscapes. Bonsly fits the initial category, hence the hole.

The Infamous Hole Card

Although this makes sense, though, The company looks a bit a little too concerned regarding the hole in Bonsly. Even merchandise like Bonsly plushes always incorporate an empty space below of this plant Pokémon. Regardless whether the portrayal of Bonsly in question is weeping or content: It's going to show the hole. This hole represents an intrinsic part of how Bonsly looks. This specific Bonsly card gained meme status in collector circles both due to its distinctive hole, and also because of its rarity. For years before, this Bonsly card was the only version of Bonsly card included in the series in which most Pokémon are typically depicted in various forms. For sixteen years, should you desire a Bonsly card, you had to settle with the hole version.

A Growing Obsession

"When I saw Bonsly in the list of oddball cards, I felt I had found the one for me," Hopkins shares via email, noting that it was unexpected to have never seen it before. She is quick to tell you her fondness for this particular card is completely useless, yet that didn't stop her. The initial interest became an all-consuming hobby, as she acquired every Bonsly #71 card available to her. She quickly got into a habit of visiting her local card shop on a weekly basis, and earned the nickname by workers as the Bonsly collector. The store began reserving all incoming copies of Bonsly #71 that came in only for her. Most of these cards go for a few dollars, she notes, calculating that she has invested approximately four hundred dollars for the collection book.

Market Trends and Value

Nowadays, pristine Bonsly #71 cards can cost up to around fifteen dollars. Although that is expensive, ordinary copies tend to cost starting at $4. The upward trend more or less coincides with her starting point her collection in earnest, although there are probably various influences. While it's true that the card is notorious with enthusiasts, Emily's social media updates regarding the card have also garnered countless views. As news regarding Bonsly #71 continues to spread to new fans, it's possible that the price of Bonsly #71 cards could keep rising. At the very least, collectors mention how TCG prices are soaring in 2025 in general.

Unstoppable Determination

Emily remains undeterred, however.

"The wonderful part remains that certain fans and fans from her channel have shipped their own Bonsly cards to Emily to add to my collection, and they will remain these Bonsly safe forever," she declares. Far from being alarmed, the audience feel admiration and motivation by her Bonsly binder.

"I've long desired to attempt something similar," one commenter says. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card