Slab Contrasted Imlu 7 is a bold, normal width, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, posters, book covers, editorial leads, branding, editorial, retro, assertive, scholarly, sporty, headline impact, italic emphasis, retro tone, strong branding, editorial voice, bracketed, chunky, angular, ink-trap-like, forward-leaning.
A forward-leaning slab serif with sturdy, bracketed slabs and compact internal counters. Strokes show clear modulation, with heavier verticals and tapered joins that keep the shapes crisp despite the weight. The italic construction reads as a true italic rather than a simple slant, with lively entry/exit strokes and a slight calligraphic swing; terminals often finish in sharp, wedge-like cuts. Uppercase forms feel broad and planted, while lowercase shows tighter apertures and energetic curves, creating a punchy, uneven rhythm typical of display-oriented italics.
Well-suited to headlines, subheads, and lead-in text where a strong italic voice is desired. It can work effectively for book or magazine covers, sports or heritage branding, and promotional materials that need a bold, energetic typographic accent. For long passages, it’s more likely to serve as emphasis or short editorial blocks rather than continuous body copy.
The tone is confident and slightly nostalgic, combining a newsprint/editorial seriousness with a sporty, poster-like emphasis. Its slanted, high-energy forms project momentum and urgency, giving text a persuasive, headline-forward voice rather than a quiet, neutral one.
The design appears intended to deliver a forceful italic slab serif with strong display presence while preserving legibility through disciplined proportions and clear stroke modulation. It balances classic slab cues with sharper, more contemporary cuts to keep the texture lively and attention-grabbing.
The numerals and capitals appear especially robust, with strong serif presence that helps maintain recognition at large sizes. In running text the dense color and active italic movement create a pronounced texture, making it best when you want the typography to be visibly stylized rather than disappearing into the page.