Cryptic crossword No 3,096

Oof, that was quite the workout by the end... it actually started off quite accessible, until it wasn't 😆 but all gettable in the end. The theming work is *chef's kiss* once you realise the depth of it. Podium: 29a, 14d, 27d. And thanks for the thematic tipoff, hugely enjoyable!

Thanks Fez. Most of this went in without much struggle but I occasionally checked my answers, especially the 'oddities'. I was clueless regarding the theme; from the photo (and a couple of the clues) I thought it might involve video gaming, an area where I'm happily ignorant. Great clues all around with my favourites being 12a, 15a, 18a, 20a, 26a, 32a, and 8d.

Wow quite a workout! Never heard of the theme but you were right, didn't matter. Congrats on cramming so much in though! Especially liked 10a,12a,26a,29a and 14d,15d,21d,22d

Pretty tough but rewarding, thank you. The theme helped, once I spotted it about halfway through. Lots to like, including 8a, 11a, 23a, 32a, 4d, 21d, 32d.