Slab Contrasted Bela 2 is a very bold, wide, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Mediator Serif' by ParaType (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, sports branding, editorial display, retro, western, lively, confident, friendly, impact, nostalgia, attention, branding, bracketed, chunky, ink-trap-like, soft corners, bouncy.
A heavy, forward-slanted slab serif with broad proportions and strongly bracketed, blocky serifs. Strokes show noticeable modulation, with rounded joins and slightly tapered terminals that keep the dense weight from feeling rigid. The letterforms have open counters and a rhythmic, slightly “bouncy” baseline feel in mixed text, with compact internal spaces that read best at display sizes. Numerals match the robust, poster-like construction and maintain the same italic momentum.
Best suited for high-impact display work such as headlines, posters, storefront or event graphics, and packaging where a bold, energetic voice is needed. It can also work for short editorial callouts or subheads, but the dense weight and pronounced serifs make it less ideal for long-running small-size text.
The overall tone feels retro and extroverted—confident, upbeat, and a bit theatrical. Its bold slabs and energetic slant suggest classic editorial and Americana cues while staying approachable rather than formal.
Designed to deliver maximum presence with a spirited italic drive, combining chunky slab serifs with softened shaping for a friendlier, more contemporary take on a classic display style.
Uppercase shapes lean on broad, stable silhouettes, while lowercase adds more personality through rounded bowls and lively diagonals. The thick slabs create strong horizontal emphasis, which helps headlines feel anchored even with the italic angle.