Slab Contrasted Ihsu 8 is a very bold, wide, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Alacant' by Eurotypo, 'Calanda' by Hoftype, 'Glypha' by Linotype, 'Polyphonic' by Monotype, 'Engel New' by The Northern Block, and 'Typewriter' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, sports branding, posters, packaging, editorial covers, athletic, editorial, retro, assertive, punchy, impact, momentum, heritage, authority, display emphasis, slab serif, bracketed slabs, ink-trap notches, rounded joins, compact counters.
A heavy, right-slanted slab serif with broad proportions and energetic rhythm. Strokes are thick with noticeable contrast, and the serifs read as sturdy slabs that are often slightly bracketed into the stems rather than razor-sharp. Many joins and terminals show subtle scooped notches and softened corners, giving the letterforms a carved, punchy texture instead of a strictly geometric finish. Counters are relatively compact, curves are full, and the overall color is dense and dark, especially in bold headline settings.
Best suited to headlines, posters, and branding where a forceful italic slab serif can carry the message on its own. It will work well for sports identities, bold editorial titling, packaging, and promotional graphics that need high impact and a retro-leaning, print-friendly feel.
The tone is bold and action-oriented, with a vintage, sports-and-print sensibility. Its slanted posture and chunky slabs convey speed and confidence, while the slightly sculpted details keep it feeling warm and tactile rather than sterile.
The design appears intended to combine the authority of a slab serif with the momentum of an italic display face, delivering strong presence and legibility at large sizes. The carved-in detailing and softened transitions suggest an aim for a classic, ink-on-paper character while remaining assertive and contemporary in weight.
In text, the heavy weight and tight interior spaces create a strong typographic voice that favors emphasis over delicacy. The numerals and capitals maintain consistent heft and stance, reinforcing a cohesive, poster-ready presence.