MegaMegaTypeType
A geometric sans rooted in the Dutreix foundry's 1930s Universals – French rivals to Futura – intentionally retaining the angularity and awkwardness of its source material across four weights with italics.
About
Matthieu Cortat drew Battling from the Universal types distributed by the Limoges-based Dutreix foundry in the 1930s, themselves positioned as alternatives to Paul Renner's Futura in the French market. Rather than smoothing out the idiosyncrasies of that model, Cortat preserves what he calls an "adolescent vigour" – a restless, unpolished quality that distinguishes it from more refined geometric revivals. Medium and Bold weights include decorative uppercase titling characters with a hairline light thread, plus small-capital roman numerals.
Classification
A geometrical lineal in the tradition of 1930s modernist sans serifs, inspired by the Dutreix foundry's Universal typefaces – French competitors to Futura – placing it squarely in the geometric grotesque lineage.