Serif Other Dova 9 is a very bold, wide, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, editorial display, branding, dramatic, theatrical, vintage, whimsical, opulent, attention, ornament, nostalgia, expressiveness, headline impact, tapered, flared, swashy, ball terminals, bracketed.
This typeface features powerful, sculpted letterforms with pronounced thick–thin transitions and sharply tapered joins. Serifs are expressive and often flared, with wedge-like entry/exit strokes and occasional hooked or spur details that give many terminals a carved, ornamental feel. Curves are generously rounded and heavy in the bowls, while inner counters remain relatively tight, producing a dense, high-impact texture. The lowercase shows lively construction with distinctive ball terminals and teardrop-like dots, and several letters (notably in the diagonals and joins) lean on dramatic tapering to create a rhythmic, display-oriented silhouette.
Best suited to large sizes where its sharp contrast and distinctive terminals can be appreciated—such as posters, packaging, mastheads, editorial openers, and brand marks. It can also work for short pull quotes or signage where a decorative serif with strong presence is desired, but it’s likely to feel heavy and busy in long-form text.
The overall tone is bold and showy, blending a vintage poster sensibility with a slightly playful, storybook flair. Its theatrical contrast and decorative terminals read as confident and attention-seeking rather than quiet or utilitarian, with a hint of Victorian-era exuberance.
The typeface appears designed to deliver maximum impact through contrast, taper, and ornamental serif behavior, prioritizing expressive display styling over neutrality. Its construction suggests an intent to evoke classic print-era drama while remaining punchy and contemporary in headline settings.
The design’s character comes less from fine detailing and more from strong silhouette: broad strokes, abrupt tapers, and emphatic terminals create a memorable word shape. Numerals echo the same sculptural contrast and curled terminal behavior, helping headlines feel cohesive across letters and figures.