Serif Normal Apla 13 is a very bold, wide, high contrast, italic, normal x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, editorial, book covers, posters, branding, classic, dramatic, confident, literary, impact, heritage, expressiveness, headline strength, editorial tone, bracketed, swashy, calligraphic, oldstyle, soft.
A heavy, right-leaning serif with pronounced thick–thin modulation and bracketed serifs that taper to sharp, wedge-like terminals. The letterforms feel slightly calligraphic, with rounded joins and occasional swelling strokes that create a lively rhythm rather than rigid geometry. Counters are moderately open for the weight, and spacing appears generous, giving the bold forms room to breathe. Numerals share the same high-contrast, slightly flowing construction, with curving bowls and crisp entry/exit strokes that keep them visually aligned with the letters.
Best suited for attention-grabbing settings such as magazine headlines, book-cover titling, posters, and brand marks that benefit from a classic yet energetic voice. It can also work for short subheads or pull quotes where its contrast and lively contours add emphasis, while extended small text may require careful sizing and spacing due to the weight and contrast.
The overall tone is assertive and theatrical, combining a traditional bookish foundation with a display-forward flourish. It reads as vintage and editorial—suited to headlines that want a sense of heritage, drama, and confidence without becoming overly ornate.
The design appears intended to deliver a traditional serif impression with heightened impact—pairing robust stems and high contrast with an italicized, calligraphic flow to create an authoritative display serif for expressive typography.
The italic slant is integral to the design rather than a simple oblique, visible in the directional stress and the subtly swept terminals. Lowercase forms show more personality through curved descenders and soft, ink-like shaping, while capitals stay bold and monumental, creating strong hierarchy in mixed-case settings.