EGGMAN instantly makes me think Sonic. So I have no idea how I missed the theme before the revealer, with KNUCKLES also in place. AND with the title.
I'm glad I found a Friday challenge that doesn't involve cramming CHADOR, ERIN, BEY + a super weird clue for NIB all in one section when they don't even need to be there. Seems like current LAT puzzles can only dream of clues like the one for BEAU here.
Really glad you enjoyed this! This was my second attempt at a grid with this theme; the first attempt had some iffier fill. Glad this one turned out better.
To be fair LAT puzzles have been mostly a disappointment difficulty-wise (easier than I expected, sometimes much easier). I have no idea how much Patti Varol changes in the submissions she gets. Also, some people on the LA Times Crossword Corner are saying that maybe there's no longer a steady increase in difficulty from Monday to Saturday.
On the other hand, I finally found a way to do NYT puzzles without a subscription and this week has been pretty great. Except Wednesday, HOLY GUACAMOLE was that a letdown.
I think LAT has always been on the easier side of NYT, but boy those Saturday puzzles before Varol could be tough. Nothing against Varol; I just like tougher puzzles.