Slab Contrasted Ibko 12 is a very bold, wide, low contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Gimbal Egyptian' and 'Gimbal Grotesque' by AVP, 'Intermedial Slab' by Blaze Type, 'Vigor DT' by DTP Types, 'TheSerif' by LucasFonts, and 'Kheops' by Tipo Pèpel (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: sports branding, posters, packaging, headlines, merch, sporty, retro, assertive, playful, headline, impact, motion, vintage feel, display strength, brand voice, chunky, bracketed, rounded, energetic, compact.
A heavy, forward-leaning slab serif with chunky, bracketed serifs and rounded outer curves that soften the mass of the strokes. The letterforms are wide and sturdy, with tight internal counters and a generally low-contrast feel, punctuated by subtle flare at joins and serif terminals. Curves are generously bulged (notably in C, G, S, and the bowls), while diagonals in letters like V, W, and X read as thick, stable wedges. Figures are bold and simple with broad silhouettes and minimal detailing, matching the overall muscular rhythm.
This face is best used for display settings where weight and presence are assets: sports identity systems, team or event graphics, posters, packaging, and merch. It also works well for short, emphatic headlines and logotypes where its wide, slabbed shapes can anchor a layout and carry a bold voice.
The tone is bold and energetic, with a distinctly retro athletic and sign-painterly lean. Its heavy slabs and slanted stance create an assertive, attention-grabbing voice that feels friendly rather than severe, suited to punchy, upbeat messaging.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact with a confident, vintage-leaning slab serif flavor, combining robust block forms with rounded bracketing and an italic push for motion. It prioritizes bold silhouettes and punchy rhythm over delicate detail, aiming for strong visibility and character in large-scale typography.
The italic slant and broad proportions create strong horizontal momentum, especially in all-caps. Spacing in the samples appears naturally tight at large sizes, producing a dense, poster-like texture; the rounded bracketing helps keep that density readable and less rigid.