Slab Contrasted Ibse 3 is a very bold, wide, low contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Clab' and 'EB Mensch' by Eko Bimantara, 'Weekly' by Los Andes, 'Quadon' by René Bieder, and 'Kondolarge' by TypeK (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, sports branding, packaging, editorial display, sporty, retro, assertive, punchy, headline, impact, attention, retro appeal, brand voice, display strength, slab serif, bracketed, rounded, compact, ink-trap.
A heavy, right-leaning slab serif with broad proportions and tight internal counters that create a dense, compact color on the page. Strokes are robust with subtly softened corners, and the slab terminals feel sturdy and slightly bracketed rather than sharp. Curves (notably in C, G, O, Q, and the lowercase bowls) are round and full, while joins and diagonals keep a strong, blocky rhythm. The lowercase shows a straightforward, workmanlike construction with a single-storey a and g and a squared, weighty presence that holds up well at display sizes.
Best suited to headlines, posters, and large-scale messaging where its dense weight and slab structure can do the work of attracting attention. It also fits sports branding, product packaging, and punchy editorial callouts where a retro-leaning, muscular italic adds urgency and impact.
The overall tone is bold and energetic, with a vintage athletic and editorial flavor. Its slanted posture and chunky slabs give it a forward-driving, confident voice that reads as promotional and attention-seeking rather than quiet or refined.
The design appears intended to deliver a tough, high-impact italic slab voice: wide, emphatic letterforms with sturdy terminals and a smooth, rounded finish. It aims for immediate readability and presence in display contexts, balancing vintage cues with a strong, modern promotional energy.
Numerals are thick and prominent with simplified, sturdy shapes that match the headline-forward intent. Spacing appears generous enough for large settings, but the heavy weight and compact counters suggest it will feel most comfortable when given room in headlines and short bursts of text.