Slab Contrasted Abse 3 is a bold, normal width, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Shemekia' by Areatype; 'Shandon Slab' by Hoftype; 'Glypha' by Linotype; 'Amasis', 'Egyptian Slate', 'Mundo Serif', and 'Prelo Slab Pro' by Monotype; and 'Typewriter' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, editorial, posters, branding, packaging, confident, classic, sturdy, authoritative, impact, readability, tradition, authority, print-like, bracketed serifs, heavy slabs, ball terminals, large counters, tight apertures.
A robust slab-serif with heavy, bracketed serifs and a strong, even color on the page. Strokes show noticeable contrast, with thick verticals paired with slightly lighter joins and curves, producing a crisp, carved-in feel without becoming delicate. Proportions are compact and weighty: round letters like O and Q are broad with generous counters, while horizontals and serifs read as firm platforms. The lowercase is legible and sturdy, featuring a two-storey a, single-storey g, and a t with a substantial crossbar; terminals are generally squared-off with occasional rounded details, such as the ball-like ending on f. Numerals are wide and emphatic, with a clean, open 0 and a distinctive 4 built from strong straight strokes.
This font suits editorial headlines, magazine or newspaper-style titling, posters, and brand marks that need a strong, traditional voice. It can also work well for packaging and signage where sturdy serifs and high visual presence help maintain clarity at a distance.
The overall tone is traditional and assertive, evoking established print typography and institutional confidence. Its heavy slabs and controlled contrast suggest reliability and seriousness, with an editorial presence that feels comfortable in headlines and display settings.
The design appears intended to deliver a bold, dependable slab-serif look with enough contrast and shaping to feel refined rather than purely utilitarian. It aims for high impact and clear typographic rhythm in display and short-text contexts.
Spacing appears moderately tight in the sample text, reinforcing a dense, authoritative texture at larger sizes. The capitals have a formal, inscriptional steadiness, while the lowercase introduces subtle warmth through rounded joins and softly bracketed serifs, keeping the font from feeling purely rigid.