Slab Contrasted Ihku 3 is a very bold, wide, low contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Goodall' by Colophon Foundry, 'Archer' by Hoefler & Co., 'Equip Slab' by Hoftype, and 'Equitan Slab' by Indian Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, sports branding, packaging, display logos, sporty, assertive, retro, friendly, punchy, impact, emphasis, speed, branding, vintage appeal, bracketed, heavy, rounded, compact, energetic.
A heavy, right-leaning slab serif with broad proportions and stout, bracketed slabs that read clearly at distance. Strokes are thick and smooth with gentle modulation, and terminals tend to be rounded rather than sharp, giving the forms a cushioned solidity. Counters are relatively open for the weight, while joins and curves stay tight and controlled, producing a compact, muscular texture in text. Numerals and capitals share the same dense, forward-tilting stance, keeping the set visually unified.
Best suited to display sizes where its slabs and rounded weight can do the work: headlines, posters, sports branding, and bold editorial callouts. It can also support logo wordmarks and packaging that benefit from a sturdy, energetic italic voice, especially in short phrases or titles.
The overall tone is bold and kinetic, with a vintage advertising and athletic-signage flavor. Its soft curves and chunky slabs temper the aggression, making it feel confident and approachable rather than severe. The italic slant adds motion and urgency, suggesting speed, emphasis, and headline energy.
The design appears intended to deliver a high-impact, forward-leaning slab serif for attention-grabbing communication. It prioritizes strong presence, quick recognition, and a cohesive vintage-leaning personality while staying readable in short runs of text.
The design’s strongest traits are its thick slab feet, rounded corners, and consistent forward rhythm, which create a dark, even typographic color. The italic construction feels integral (not merely obliqued), helping the letters maintain sturdy balance despite the strong slant.