Serif Normal Polen 4 is a bold, wide, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Mikaway' by Berthold, 'ITC Stone Serif' by ITC, 'New Aster LT' by Linotype, 'Garth Graphic' and 'Mentor' by Monotype, and 'PS Fournier Std' by Typofonderie (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, editorial, posters, book covers, branding, authoritative, classic, formal, bookish, print authority, headline impact, classic readability, editorial tone, bracketed, calligraphic, scotch-like, crisp, robust.
A robust serif with pronounced thick–thin modulation and crisp, bracketed serifs. The letterforms show rounded joins and slightly tapered terminals, producing a confident, ink-trap-free silhouette even at heavy weight. Counters are relatively compact in the lowercase, while capitals feel broad and stable; the overall rhythm is steady and traditional, with strong vertical stress and clear stroke hierarchy. Numerals and punctuation match the same high-contrast, firmly serifed construction for a consistent texture in text.
This font is well suited to headlines, decks, and pull quotes where strong contrast and sturdy serifs can carry impact. It also fits editorial layouts, book covers, and classic brand applications that benefit from a traditional, print-forward voice, especially when set with comfortable leading and not-too-tight tracking.
The tone is classic and authoritative, evoking traditional print typography and editorial seriousness. Its strong contrast and weight give it a confident, declarative voice suited to emphatic messaging while still feeling rooted in conventional book and newspaper styling.
The design appears intended to deliver a conventional text-serif structure with heightened presence: traditional proportions and bracketed serifs paired with strong contrast to achieve a bold, editorial look for display-forward typography.
In the sample text, the dense color and compact internal spaces create a solid typographic “wall,” making it most comfortable with generous line spacing. Distinctive details like a two-storey “g,” a firm, bracketed “T,” and a curled “y” tail add a subtly calligraphic flavor without becoming decorative.