Slab Square Tyba 9 is a bold, normal width, low contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Glypha' by Linotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, sports branding, editorial decks, packaging, editorial, sporty, confident, retro, impact, momentum, emphasis, display legibility, bracketed serifs, ink-trap feel, rounded corners, compact apertures, sturdy.
This typeface is a heavy, right-leaning serif with slab-like, mostly flat-ended terminals and softly bracketed joins. Strokes are thick and even, with low visible contrast and a compact, blocky rhythm; counters are relatively tight and apertures are somewhat closed, giving the forms a dense, punchy color. The italics are built as true italic shapes rather than a simple slant, with single-story a and g, a curled ear on g, and strong, wedge-like entry/exit strokes. Serifs read as sturdy, rectangular feet that sit firmly on the baseline, while many joins and inner corners show slight notches that add definition at text sizes.
This font performs best in attention-grabbing roles such as headlines, subheads, posters, and campaign graphics where a strong italic serif can carry attitude and momentum. It also suits sports branding, collegiate-inspired identities, and packaging or labels that benefit from dense, high-impact letterforms. For longer text, it can work in short editorial decks or pull quotes where its dark color and distinctive italic forms are an asset rather than a strain.
The overall tone is assertive and energetic, combining a classic editorial seriousness with a distinctly sporty, poster-like punch. Its strong slabbing and forward motion create a sense of speed and emphasis, making it feel confident, direct, and slightly nostalgic in a collegiate or mid-century way.
The design appears intended to deliver a forceful italic serif voice with slabby stability—combining sturdy, rectangular serifs and low-contrast strokes with energetic, true-italic construction for emphasis. It aims to stay highly legible at display sizes while projecting speed, impact, and a confident, classic-meets-athletic personality.
Uppercase shapes are wide and stable, with a prominent, geometric presence; the Q has a clear, italic tail and the G shows a pronounced inner bar. Numerals are similarly weighty and compact, designed to hold up in display settings. In paragraphs, the texture is dark and consistent, with clear word shapes driven by the italic rhythm and prominent serifs.