Serif Contrasted Onpa 13 is a bold, wide, high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Augustea' by Berthold, 'Benton Modern' by Font Bureau, 'ITC Century' by ITC, 'Ysobel' by Monotype, 'SchoolBook' by ParaType, and 'News 702' by Tilde (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, book covers, magazines, posters, branding, editorial, formal, classic, authoritative, literary, editorial impact, classic elegance, formal authority, print refinement, transitional, vertical stress, ball terminals, sharp serifs, crisp joins.
This serif design presents stout vertical stems paired with very thin hairlines, creating a crisp, high-contrast rhythm. Serifs are sharp and clean with minimal bracketing, and counters feel open despite the weight, giving the face a robust but refined texture in paragraphs. Round letters show a clear vertical stress, while terminals often finish in compact balls or teardrops, adding a slightly decorative, traditional touch. Proportions are generously set with ample width and steady, upright posture; the overall spacing reads even and deliberate in continuous text.
It suits editorial headlines, book and journal covers, and magazine typography where contrast and authority are desirable. The generous width and crisp detailing also make it effective for formal branding, pull quotes, and large-format posters where the fine hairlines can be appreciated.
The tone is classic and editorial, conveying confidence and tradition with a slightly dramatic contrast. It feels bookish and institutional rather than casual, with enough sparkle in the hairlines and terminals to suggest refinement and gravitas.
The design appears intended to deliver a traditional serif voice with heightened contrast and a polished, print-oriented presence. Its combination of sturdy verticals, fine hairlines, and precise serifs suggests an aim for elegance and impact while maintaining legibility in structured layouts.
In the specimen text, the strong thick–thin pattern produces a pronounced typographic color that holds up at display sizes and remains structured in larger paragraph settings. Numerals follow the same contrast model and appear designed to match the firmness of the capitals, reinforcing a cohesive, formal voice.