Slab Contrasted Pibo 13 is a very bold, normal width, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Classic Round' and 'Classic XtraRound' by Durotype, 'Mantika News' by Linotype, 'Adagio Slab' by Machalski, and 'Amasis' and 'Amasis eText' by Monotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, branding, packaging, signage, confident, retro, industrial, athletic, editorial, impact, nostalgia, sturdiness, clarity, display, slab serif, bracketed serifs, chunky, sturdy, compact counters.
A heavy slab-serif with broad, rectangular serifs and mostly squared terminals that create a dense, blocky texture. Strokes are robust and even, with only modest modulation, and the joins are tight, giving letters a compact, carved look. Counters are relatively small and apertures tend toward closed, while the lowercase shows sturdy, workmanlike forms (notably in a, e, s) that maintain strong color in text. Figures are bold and simplified, matching the letterforms’ weight and squared rhythm.
This font is well suited for headlines, posters, and branding systems that need a bold, attention-holding voice. It can work effectively on packaging and labels where a vintage or industrial cue is desired, and it reads clearly on signage and promotional graphics. Use generous size and spacing when setting longer lines to keep counters from filling in visually.
The overall tone is assertive and grounded, with a distinctly vintage, print-forward feel. Its chunky slabs and compact counters evoke old poster typography and utilitarian signage, reading as dependable, no-nonsense, and slightly nostalgic rather than delicate or refined.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact with a classic slab-serif silhouette: strong stems, emphatic serifs, and compact shapes that hold up as solid blocks of color. It prioritizes presence and recognizability in display settings while keeping familiar, readable construction across uppercase, lowercase, and figures.
In running text the heavy serifs and tight internal space produce a strong, dark paragraph color, making it better suited to display sizes than long-form reading. The uppercase is especially commanding, while the lowercase remains sturdy and legible, supporting headlines, subheads, and short emphatic copy.