Cryptic stuff is there; surfaces (except for possibly poetic 1A and definitely 5A) could be a little clearer. For instance, if 1D were [Criminal at the front of Cuban castle], there's a little more action/story. Always interrogate the specificity: why use "carbon" for C in 2D? What does "carbon" have to do with being obscure or roaring? If "roaring" is what you want, why not go with something like [Crowd's starting roaring at something in the sky] (that could still use work, clearly). Looking forward to seeing more of your grids!