Slab Square Irpe 9 is a bold, normal width, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Malaga' by Emigre, 'Alkes' by Fontfabric, and 'Rooney' by Jan Fromm (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, branding, editorial display, confident, sporty, vintage, editorial, dynamic, emphasis, impact, headline voice, retro flavor, forward motion, bracketed serifs, chunky serifs, ink-trap feel, compact counters, lively rhythm.
This typeface is a slanted serif with heavy, squared slab-like serifs and a compact, sturdy build. Strokes are full and assertive with a clear italic angle and a slightly calligraphic flow, while serifs read as thick blocks that often feel subtly bracketed into the stems. Curves are generous and rounded, counters stay relatively tight, and joins create a faint ink-trap impression in places, giving the letters a robust, print-forward texture. The capitals are broad and steady, while the lowercase shows more motion and asymmetry, producing an energetic rhythm in text.
Best suited to display typography where its heavy slabs and italic drive can do visual work—headlines, subheads, pull quotes, posters, and bold packaging statements. It can also function for short editorial bursts or branding that wants a confident, retro-leaning serif with clear emphasis and strong word silhouettes.
The overall tone is bold and extroverted, mixing a classic, old-school print presence with a sporty, poster-like punch. It feels energetic and persuasive rather than delicate, with a friendly vintage warmth that still reads as modern and practical at display sizes.
The design appears intended to deliver emphasis through a combination of substantial slab serifs and italic movement, balancing a familiar, traditional serif structure with a punchy, contemporary display presence. It prioritizes impact, momentum, and a distinctive printed texture over quiet neutrality.
In the sample text, the strong slant and prominent slabs create a pronounced forward momentum and dark color on the page, making word shapes stand out clearly. The figure set appears rounded and weighty, matching the letterforms’ dense texture and emphasizing a sturdy, impactful voice.