Slab Contrasted Piva 9 is a very bold, wide, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Goodall' by Colophon Foundry, 'Shandon Slab' by Hoftype, 'Paralex' by Tipo Pèpel, 'Paul Slab' and 'Paul Slab Soft' by artill, and 'Coltan Gea' by deFharo (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: posters, headlines, packaging, sports branding, signage, confident, rugged, retro, collegiate, assertive, impact, heritage feel, stability, legibility, blocky, bracketed, ink-trap, sturdy, punchy.
A heavy, block-constructed slab serif with compact counters and strongly emphasized rectangular serifs. Strokes are largely even, with subtle shaping at joins and small ink-trap-like notches that keep interior spaces open in dense forms. Curves are broad and simplified (notably in C, G, O, S), while vertical stems and slabs dominate the overall texture, creating a dark, steady rhythm. The lowercase reads sturdy and workmanlike, with a single-storey a and g, short, thick terminals, and a compact, squared-off feel across bowls and shoulders; numerals are similarly robust and highly legible at display sizes.
Best suited to display roles such as headlines, posters, and bold callouts where impact and solidity are priorities. It also fits branding for sports, workwear, and heritage-leaning products, as well as signage and labels that benefit from strong, slab-anchored letterforms.
The font projects a bold, no-nonsense tone with a vintage, American poster and collegiate signaling. Its chunky slabs and tight counters feel grounded and dependable, leaning toward an industrial and athletic mood rather than refined editorial elegance.
The letterforms appear designed to deliver maximum presence with a stable slab-serif skeleton and simplified geometry, while preserving legibility through carefully opened counters and tightened joins. The overall intention reads as a contemporary take on vintage slab styles geared for high-impact display typography.
The design holds up well in dense setting because the interiors are protected by small cut-ins at tight corners, and the strong serif system helps maintain word shape at large sizes. The overall color is very dark, with minimal delicacy, making it most effective when ample spacing and size allow the forms to breathe.