Slab Square Irbi 9 is a bold, wide, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Bookman Old Style' and 'Bookman Old Style Paneuropean' by Monotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, sports branding, book covers, confident, vintage, editorial, sporty, punchy, emphasis, impact, warmth, motion, display character, bracketed serifs, ink traps, ball terminals, rounded corners, softened slabs.
A compact, right-leaning slab-serif with sturdy stems, softened slab terminals, and noticeably rounded outer corners that keep the heavy forms from feeling rigid. Serifs read as blocky and bracketed rather than hairline-sharp, with occasional spur-like details and subtle scooped joins that suggest ink-trap behavior in tight corners. Counters are open and generously shaped for the weight, and the italic construction shows calligraphic momentum while remaining clearly built from typographic, not script, structures. Figures are bold and steady, with curves that stay full and stable under the slant.
Best suited to display typography where the weight, slant, and slab detailing can do the work—headlines, posters, campaigns, and packaging. It can also serve for short editorial callouts, pull quotes, and cover typography where a confident, vintage-leaning voice is desired.
The overall tone is assertive and energetic, combining a classic, old-style editorial warmth with a more contemporary, punchy headline attitude. Its slanted stance and substantial slabs create a sense of speed and emphasis, while the rounded finishing and bracketed serifs add friendliness and approachability.
The design appears intended to deliver a bold, attention-grabbing italic slab that stays readable while projecting motion and character. By pairing hefty slabs with rounded shaping and scooped joins, it aims for strong presence without feeling overly mechanical.
Stroke endings are consistently squared-off but not harsh, often softened by rounding, which helps maintain even color in dense settings. The lowercase shows lively, slightly bouncy rhythm, and several letters feature distinctive curls and terminals that make the style recognizable at display sizes.