Serif Normal Maba 16 is a bold, normal width, high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'FS Sally' and 'FS Sally Paneuropean' by Fontsmith, 'Acta Pro' by Monotype, and 'Evans' by Zetafonts (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, editorial, book covers, posters, branding, authoritative, classic, formal, literary, impactful serif, classic authority, editorial voice, display emphasis, bracketed, ball terminals, vertical stress, tight apertures, heavy serifs.
A sturdy serif with pronounced thick–thin contrast and strongly bracketed wedge serifs. The design shows vertical stress, firm hairlines, and generously weighted main strokes that create an emphatic texture. Capitals are broad and monumental, while the lowercase carries a slightly compact rhythm with tight apertures and distinct, rounded terminals (notably in forms like a, c, e, and s). Numerals are similarly weighty and traditional, with clear differentiation and solid footing on the baseline.
Well suited to headlines, decks, pull quotes, and other display typography where a classic serif voice is desired. It also fits editorial branding, book covers, and poster work that benefits from a strong, traditional typographic presence.
The overall tone is confident and traditional, projecting a bookish, institutional seriousness. Its strong contrast and weight give it a commanding presence that reads as editorial and formal rather than casual or playful.
The design appears intended to deliver a conventional serif look with extra authority and impact, combining traditional proportions with heightened weight and contrast for prominent setting. It aims for recognizable, classic letterforms that feel established and dependable while still offering crisp, dramatic detail at larger sizes.
In text, the bold color produces a dense page tone and crisp word shapes, with lively highlights from the hairlines and serifs. The ampersand and punctuation adopt the same sturdy, classic styling, reinforcing a cohesive, old-style-influenced voice.