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Boxal, the latest typeface from The Northern Block, is a pixel font inspired by the enduring charm of classic arcade gaming. Rooted in 1980s gaming culture, with influences like Cops 'n' Robbers and Shinobi, it blends nostalgic charm with contemporary precision and versatility. For its designer, Jonathan Hill, Boxal represents both a personal and creative homecoming, reflecting decades of influence from early gaming experiences and pixel art traditions.
Available in three weights across five unique styles—Normal, Diamond, Dot, Square, and Line—it offers a wide range of visual options from a single pixel-driven concept. Unlike traditional pixel fonts, Boxal utilises proportional spacing, making it more readable and versatile. Its grid-based structure keeps the pixel aesthetic while modern tools unlock new creative possibilities.
Boxal is a playscape for designers, creatives, and engineers. It’s a typeface that invites expression and experimentation. Each pixel can be reworked to shift the shape of letterforms, creating anything from minimalist to bold typographic statements. On screen or in print, it adds retro flair, transporting users to an era defined by pixelated wonder.
Boxal
Foundry: The Northern Block
Type Designer: Jonathan Hill
Creative Lead: Donna Wearmouth
Release Date: March 2026
Weights: Light, Regular, Bold
Styles: Normal, Diamond, Dot, Square, Line
Formats: OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2
