I just finished watching the first season of Saiunkoku Monogatari and I must say, I am deeply impressed! I had my qualms about this show, because it reminded me too much of the bishounen-packed Chinese era anime, Fushigi Yuugi, and Shuurei also had the Miaka look going on. I was refreshingly surprised though when I saw just how much more spunk, talent and backbone Shuurei had compared to Miaka. And yet, in spite of her levelheadedness, Shuurei also showed a vulnerability that made her human and all the more like-able. I also enjoyed thoroughly the stories and plots that intertwined with each other, from political unrest to matters of the -ahem- heart ;)

I will be raving more about this show, and speaking about my opinions on matters of ships (emphasis on the plural form because as jealous as I am, I admit that Shuurei deserves all the bishounens of Saiunkoku, and she can probably assign each of them to one day of the week ;)) In the meantime, here are some icons I've made for the show. Hope you enjoy! And I'd love to get your comments but please be nice :)