Slab Contrasted Ihhi 4 is a bold, wide, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Martini' by Katatrad, 'Cyntho Next Slab' by Mint Type, 'Etelka Slab' by Storm Type Foundry, and 'Engel New' by The Northern Block (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, branding, packaging, sports branding, confident, sporty, retro, editorial, assertive, impact, emphasis, heritage, display, momentum, bracketed, blocky, sturdy, ink-trap feel, compact.
This is a heavy italic slab serif with pronounced, block-like serifs and a clear rightward slant. Strokes show visible contrast, with stout verticals and thicker horizontals/serifs that create a strong, grounded rhythm. The serifs are mostly squared and slightly bracketed, giving joins a softened, sturdy feel rather than razor-sharp corners. Counters are relatively tight and forms are compact in the lowercase, while capitals read broad and stable; overall spacing feels intentionally open enough to keep the bold weight from clogging in text. Figures are robust and straightforward, matching the letterforms’ strong, poster-ready color.
It performs best where bold, italic emphasis is desirable: headlines, subheads, posters, and brand marks that need a confident, forward-leaning voice. It can also work for packaging and short editorial callouts where a dense, attention-grabbing texture is an advantage, especially at medium to large sizes.
The overall tone is energetic and punchy, combining an athletic, headline-forward presence with a classic print sensibility. The italic angle adds motion and emphasis, while the slab structure keeps the voice confident and dependable rather than delicate.
The font appears designed to deliver strong italic emphasis with a slab-serif backbone, balancing classic print cues with a more energetic, display-oriented stance. Its sturdy serifs and controlled contrast suggest an intention to remain readable while still projecting impact and momentum.
The design leans on strong horizontals and substantial terminals, producing a dark, even texture in paragraphs. Curved letters maintain a firm, slightly squared silhouette, and the diagonal elements (like in V/W/X) feel muscular and deliberate, reinforcing the typeface’s impact at larger sizes.