The Team
Jacob R. Miles III
Creator & CEO
Jacob Miles is an award-winning entrepreneur, media and entertainment executive, author, and speaker with deep experience in TV, IP development, AI, entertainment, gaming, esports, licensing, toys, and collectibles. He’s CEO of MAP Digital Network/MAP Labs, COO of Execs Collect LLC, and is an original Kenner Star Wars engineer.
Corporate experience includes Kenner, Tonka, Bandai, SEGA, & Hasbro. He has been features on HBO, PBS, History Channel, NBC, Heritage Auction channel and in the Wall St. Journal, USA Today, Entrepreneurs Magazine among others.
Mark Greenbaum
Creative Director
Controllors creative lead and character designer, specializing in all aspects of design management for consumer products. Mark is a multidisciplinary creative who turns big ideas into memorable brands, experiences, and products. Blending design, storytelling, and strategy, His experience includes work for Marvel, DC, Hasbro, Dr.Seuss,
Bigshot Toyworks, Disney and Jazwares.
Alex Simmons
Lead Writer / Co-Editor
Alex Simmons is an award-winning storyteller, educator, and speaker who believes stories can entertain, teach, and transform. He’s written plays, books, and comics for Disney, Marvel, DC, and Penguin Random House, and created the Blackjack adventure series.
As founder of the annual KIDS COMIC CON, Alex spent years helping young people—and adults—discover the power of imagination. As a mentor, coach, and guest speaker, he’s taught writers and dreamers of all ages to create boldly and tell their own stories, from Harlem to Holland, Africa to India.
Paul Castiglia
Writer / Co-Editor
Controllors comic writer and co-editor - Award-winning comic book writer-editor. Writing and editing experience includes Archie Comics, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Sonic the Hedgehog, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics and Mattel Toys and Entertainment.
Rich Smith
Illustrator
Controllors comic artist and colorist - Nationally recognized artist known for his animated action comic style and character focus. Illustration and cartoonist experience includes MAP Media, ASML, Upperdeck Marvel, Factory Underground
Rick Villa
Project Manager
Rick Villa is a comic book creator, producer, and industry veteran. He has held positions with leading comic book and anime companies and has contributed to several acclaimed anime franchises, including Dragon Ball Z, Yu Yu Hakusho, Sailor Moon, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. He currently serves as Project Manager for the Controllers comic book series.
Anya Combs
Community Manager
An 18+ year video and tabletop gaming industry professional. Experience includes Addicting Games, Nickelodeon, and Kickstarter.
A professional saxophonist who has performed at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and tours regularly.
Guest Cover Artists
Scott Cohn
A School of Visual Arts graduate, this versatile illustrator has built a decades-long career across comics, animation, publishing, advertising, and licensed art. His clients include Hasbro, Crayola, Marvel, DC, Sony Music, HBO, and Atomic Mass Games. Recent work includes Star Wars packaging art for Hasbro, Marvel Crisis Protocol trading cards, and the UFC 304 Artist Series poster.
Nik Virella
Nik is an award-winning School of Visual Arts alum and comic artist whose work spans Marvel, pop culture, and current-events storytelling. Her iconic Deadpool “heart-hands” artwork became a global phenomenon, while her work on All-New Wolverine earned recognition from Vogue Italia. She has also created acclaimed illustrated journalism for Business Insider and lectured at SVA, Columbia University, FIT, Leeds Arts University, and the High School of Art and Design.