Slab Contrasted Buba 9 is a bold, wide, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'ITC Bookman' by ITC and 'Bookman Old Style' and 'Bookman Old Style Paneuropean' by Monotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, logotypes, book covers, vintage, confident, sporty, editorial, western, impact, nostalgia, personality, legibility, brand voice, bracketed, ball terminals, oldstyle figures, soft corners, ink-trap feel.
A heavy, right-leaning serif with sturdy, slab-like terminals and bracketed joins that soften the overall mass. The forms are broad with generous counters and rounded interior shaping, giving the letters a robust, slightly swollen rhythm. Stroke endings often finish in blunt slabs or teardrop/ball-like terminals, and several letters show lively, calligraphic inflection despite the weight. Figures read as oldstyle-style with varying heights and pronounced curves, matching the text’s energetic, headline-driven color.
This face works best for short to medium-length display copy where its weight, slant, and chunky serifs can carry a strong voice—headlines, posters, packaging, and branding marks. It can also serve for editorial titling or book covers when a vintage, assertive serif is desired.
The tone feels bold and nostalgic, mixing traditional print gravity with a spirited, slightly playful slant. It suggests classic Americana and mid-century display typography—confident, attention-getting, and a bit informal—without turning into novelty.
The design appears intended to deliver high-impact display typography that blends slab-like sturdiness with a more handwritten, italic energy. Its broad proportions, softened brackets, and characterful terminals aim to create a distinctive, classic voice that remains highly legible at larger sizes.
The italic construction is assertive and consistent, with strong diagonals in letters like A, V, W, and X and a pronounced, looping J/j that adds personality. Spacing appears comfortable for display settings, while the heavy serifs and rounded joins help keep large text feeling cohesive rather than spiky.