Slab Square Koli 9 is a very bold, normal width, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font.
Keywords: sports branding, headlines, posters, logos, packaging, retro, sporty, dynamic, industrial, assertive, impact, speed, ruggedness, legibility, retro flavor, slab-serif, rounded corners, ink-trap feel, compact, tightly spaced.
A very heavy italic slab-serif with compact, angular letterforms and softened corners. Strokes are broad and fairly even, with short, square-ended slabs that read as integrated blocks rather than delicate serifs. Many joins and counters show small notches and cut-ins that create an ink-trap-like texture and help open interior space at this weight. The slant is steady and forward, and curves (notably in C, G, O, Q, and the numerals) are squarish and rounded-rectangular, producing a mechanical, streamlined rhythm. Lowercase forms are sturdy and economical, with short ascenders/descenders and a robust, slightly condensed feel in text.
Best suited to sports branding, energetic headlines, poster typography, and logo wordmarks where the italic slant and heavy slabs can communicate speed and strength. It also works well for bold packaging callouts and short-form promotional copy where a rugged, retro-industrial voice is desirable.
The overall tone is fast and forceful, with a retro athletic flavor and a machine-made, engineered confidence. Its forward lean and blocky slabs suggest motion and impact, while the squared curves keep it grounded and utilitarian rather than elegant.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact in an italic display style, combining slab-like solidity with squared, aerodynamic curves. The small internal cut-ins and notched joins seem aimed at preserving legibility and adding a distinctive, technical texture at very heavy weight.
At display sizes the distinctive cut-ins and stepped terminals become a defining signature; in longer lines they can add visual chatter, especially where letters cluster. Numerals match the same squared, streamlined construction and maintain strong presence in headings.