Some comments to start.

First, I’ve wanted to create a puzzle with this theme since late February. You’ll understand why after you solve it. I chose the specific theme answers for a reason, and they ended up requiring an asymmetric grid. (It’s entirely possible that someone with better grid skills than I could have come up with a symmetric layout). Once again, there are more 3-letter words than I’d like, and a couple of forced answers that make me squirm a bit, but there’s plenty I’m happy with too. As I’ve noted, I’m still learning.

Second, I’m making use, for the first time, of a feature that Amuse Labs offers in their PuzzleMe platform, and that is the ability to present an explanation of, or additional information on, a particular answer once solving is completed. I’ve added info to six answers; I hope it adds a little something special to the solving experience.