Multimedia: Viacom Inc.’s Paramount Pictures unit is...

Multimedia: Viacom Inc.’s Paramount Pictures unit is teaming with a Marvel Entertainment Group unit to publish a new comic book imprint based on Paramount films and television shows and on newly created characters. Paramount said the majority of comic books will be based on its “Star Trek” movie and television series. Under the joint venture, Marvel Comics will produce, publish and distribute the comics worldwide and will work with Paramount to coordinate marketing and promotion. Editorial and production offices will be at Marvel Comics’ New York headquarters and at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The first title from the imprint will be based on the “Mission: Impossible” film to be released May 22. Paramount will get exposure for its films and television series through the comic books and will provide a vehicle to create new characters that may be used in movies or television shows.