Slab Contrasted Bubi 3 is a very bold, wide, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'ITC Bookman' by ITC and 'Bookman Old Style' and 'Bookman Old Style Paneuropean' by Monotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, sports branding, editorial display, vintage, assertive, sporty, editorial, retro, high impact, retro flavor, headline emphasis, brand voice, print feel, bracketed serifs, soft corners, ink-trap feel, ball terminals, compact joins.
A heavy, right-leaning slab serif with broad proportions and strongly bracketed slabs. Strokes show clear modulation, with thickened main stems and comparatively lighter connecting strokes, giving the letters a lively, slightly carved rhythm. Terminals tend to be rounded or subtly flared, and several joins and apertures feel tightened, creating an ink-trap-like impression in darker areas. Counters are moderately open for the weight, and the overall texture is dense but controlled, suited to punchy setting sizes.
Best suited for headlines, subheads, and prominent callouts where weight and slanted energy can do the work. It fits well in posters, packaging, and label-style branding, and can also support magazine-style editorial display where a bold, retro voice is desired.
The tone is confident and old-school, blending a classic print flavor with a sporty, poster-ready punch. Its italic stance and chunky slabs add momentum and emphasis, evoking vintage headlines, labels, and energetic editorial styling rather than quiet text neutrality.
The design appears intended to deliver a high-impact italic slab serif that stays cohesive in dense settings while retaining a crafted, print-forward character. By combining sturdy slabs with moderated contrast and softened terminals, it aims for strong presence without becoming brittle or overly sharp at large sizes.
The numerals are similarly hefty and rounded, matching the letterforms with sturdy curves and strong footings. Lowercase forms keep a straightforward, readable structure while still carrying the same compressed joins and softened terminals, which helps maintain consistency in longer lines of display copy.