Sans Superellipse Penik 9 is a very bold, very narrow, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Cyclone' by Hoefler & Co., 'Factual JNL' by Jeff Levine, 'PODIUM Sharp' by Machalski, 'Barbaros' by MoodyType, 'Dilemma' by Sudtipos, and 'Ggx89' by Typodermic (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: posters, headlines, packaging, signage, branding, retro, industrial, assertive, condensed, no-nonsense, space saving, high impact, signage tone, bold branding, strong silhouettes, blocky, squared, rounded corners, compact, high-impact.
A compact, condensed sans with tall proportions and tightly enclosed counters. Strokes are heavy and largely uniform, with rounded-rectangle (superellipse-like) bowls and softened corners that keep the shapes from feeling brittle. Curves are restrained and verticals dominate, producing a rigid rhythm; terminals are mostly blunt with occasional small curved hooks in letters like J, Q, and y that add distinctiveness. Numerals follow the same narrow, sturdy construction with clear, poster-friendly silhouettes.
Best suited to headlines, posters, packaging, labels, and signage where space is limited but high contrast against the background is needed. It can work well for bold branding lockups and short subheads, especially when a compact, industrial voice is desired.
The overall tone feels bold and utilitarian, with a slightly retro display flavor reminiscent of mid‑century signage and industrial labeling. Its narrow stance and firm geometry read as confident and economical, emphasizing urgency and impact over delicacy.
The design appears intended to maximize impact and legibility in tight widths, pairing a condensed skeleton with rounded-rectangle forms for a distinctive, modernized signage feel. It prioritizes strong silhouettes and consistent weight to hold up at larger sizes and in bold applications.
The condensed width packs words into a small horizontal footprint, creating strong vertical texture and a pronounced “stacked” color on the page. Round forms are squarish rather than circular, and the tighter apertures (notably in C, S, and e) contribute to a dense, emphatic look.