In Bruno Maag's world, Aktiv Grotesk takes over typography as THE modern typeface...
Next Stop: Aktiv Grotesk, is a type specimen book. It explores the inspirations for the typeface, Aktiv Grotesk, along with its visual qualities that set it apart from others like Helvetica, Univers, and other grotesque typefaces. Aktiv Grotesk claims to be the perfect modern font that Maag never thought Helvetica should have become. In this narrative, Aktiv Grotesk eventually takes over the New York advertising scene and Helvetica is abandoned by the masses.
The beginning of this 60 page publication discusses the history of Aktiv Grotesk, including the Dalton Maag typeface design studio, lead designer Bruno Maag, the design team, and the history of grotesque typefaces.
Aktiv Grotesk prides itself as an extremely versatile font. According to Adobe Fonts, "Aktiv Grotesk takes an authoritative but neutral position, supporting any message without overpowering it." The next section of the publication displays the details of the typeface, from its 8 weights, its 3 width styles, and its support for over 130 languages.
The publication ends with a comparison to the beloved Helvetica, then the story of an Aktiv Grotesk takeover. Helvetica is famously known for being used in the New York City Subway System. The notice in the second picture above states that Aktiv Grotesk will be taking over the Subway.
Aktiv Grotesk aims to put a creative spin on the traditional type specimen book. While displaying the typeface and its many styles, sizes, and weights, the book tells the story of a fictional Aktiv Grotesk takeover.
