The Hole Truth: Why One Collector is Hoarding Every 'Cursed' Bonsly Card
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Meet Emily Hopkins, the electroacoustic harpist who's gone viral for her delightful (and slightly unhinged) quest to collect every single 'cursed' 2007 Pokémon Bonsly card, complete with its infamous 'hole,' proving that true collecting passion can turn a common card into a community-driven sensation.
Right, so buckle up, mates, because I’ve been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared. You know that feeling when you accidentally blow a hole through reality and find yourself staring at something utterly bizarre, yet utterly captivating? Well, that’s pretty much how I feel about the legend of Emily Hopkins and her quest to collect every single Pokémon TCG: Diamond & Pearl Bonsly card with a… *hole*.
Yeah, you heard that right. Not a Charizard, not a Pikachu, but a Bonsly. Specifically, the 2007 iteration of Bonsly, number 71, from the Gen 4 era. And let me tell you, this isn't just any Bonsly; it's *the* Bonsly. The one depicted by illustrator Midori Harada, knocked over, shedding a tear (or is it?), and sporting a rather prominent, shall we say, *drainage feature* at its base. It’s got that signature move, Fake Tears, too, which just adds another layer of adorable, manipulative chaos to the whole affair.
Now, some of you might be thinking, 'Jeff, what in the digital ether are you rambling about?' But stick with me. This particular Bonsly card has achieved a kind of cult status amongst the more discerning (or perhaps, delightfully unhinged) corners of the Pokémon TCG community. It’s not just a card; it’s a *vibe*. And Emily Hopkins, an electroacoustic harpist by trade and clearly a wizard of quirky obsessions by inclination, has decided this vibe is her destiny. She’s amassed a collection of over 305 of these regular Bonsly cards, plus another 20 shimmering reverse holographics. Oh, and the crown jewel? A PSA 6-graded reverse holo. Forget your pristine, bank-breaking first-edition Charizards; Emily’s out here proving that true glory lies in the goofy, slightly compromised, and eternally preserved Bonsly.
So, what's the deal with the hole, you ask? Good question, and one that taps into my inherent curiosity. Turns out, Bonsly (the Pokémon) is actually inspired by bonsai plants, which often live in pots with — you guessed it — drainage holes. Makes sense, right? It helps the little plant grow, thrive, avoid root rot, all that good stuff. But here’s where my gentle skepticism kicks in, like a rogue spell fizzling just a bit. The original article highlights that The Pokémon Company seems almost *obsessed* with this drainage hole. Bonsly plushies? Got a hollow cavern. Every depiction? Hole. It's an intrinsic part of its design, apparently. It doesn’t matter if Bonsly is crying or chill, that hole is front and centre. You have to wonder if somewhere in a corporate meeting room, someone said, 'Right, lads, let’s double down on the hole! It’s what the people want!'
But the true magic of Bonsly #71 isn’t just its anatomical quirk; it’s its singularity. For a staggering sixteen years, this was the *only* Bonsly card in existence. Think about that for a second. Most Pokémon get dozens of different iterations, different artists, different poses. Bonsly? Nope. Just the one. Just the hole Bonsly. It became a meme not just for its design, but for its sheer, stubborn prevalence.
Emily first stumbled upon this gem earlier this year, while debating the 'most cursed cards' in the compendium with a shop employee. And honestly, isn’t that the most Jeff-like way to discover a new obsession? Debating the cursed artifacts of gaming lore? Brilliant. She knew instantly it was her favorite. And from that moment, a harmless appreciation morphed into a full-blown, beautiful obsession. She became 'Bonsly Girl' at her local shop, a title I reckon she wears with pride, where employees now dutifully set aside any incoming Bonsly #71s just for her. That's a true community connection right there, mate.
Now, about the value. This is where things get a bit fascinating, and where my inner digital wizard starts reading the tea leaves of the market. Initially, these cards were going for a quid or two – about $1-$3. Emily estimates she’s dropped around $400 on the binder alone, which, let's be honest, is a pretty decent investment in a passion project. But here's the kicker: pristine Bonsly #71 cards are now hitting $14.99, with your average run-of-the-mill ones clocking in at $4 or more.
This price hike, the article suggests, more or less coincides with Emily’s viral posts garnering millions of views. Coincidence? Perhaps. Or perhaps, and this is where it gets interesting for our Web3-adjacent sensibilities, it's a testament to the power of a dedicated community and a charismatic influencer. When a story like this spreads, it shines a spotlight, creates new demand, and suddenly, what was once just a 'cursed' common card becomes a sought-after relic. It’s like a micro-economy springing up around a delightful digital oddity, driven by pure, unadulterated passion. Supporters and fans are even mailing her their Bonsly cards to add to her growing treasury – talk about community support!
Sure, some folks might joke, calling her the 'butthole Bonsly lady' (their words, not mine, though I admit to a chuckle or two), but most are just genuinely impressed. They see the pure, unadulterated joy of niche collecting. They see the desire to own something unique, to influence a tiny corner of the market, to participate in a story bigger than just one card. It's not about making millions; it’s about the chase, the collection, the story, and the sheer, glorious absurdity of it all. And honestly, mate, isn't that what gaming, in its purest form, is all about? Finding joy in the unexpected, and embracing a bit of optimistically chaotic fun?
Tags: Pokémon TCG, Card Collecting, Gaming Community, Viral Trends, Niche Hobbies
Original article: Polygon