Situated between comics and long-form literature, the graphic novel calls for a new approach to text rendering. Rapid international distribution makes hand texting unfeasible, and the traditional uppercase comic book lettering is discordant with a format that blends immersion with poetic impact. These challenges call for typefaces that bridge the gap between formal typography and informal writing.

Ronja S. Berge’s debut, Hvis det ikke brenner (“If it isn’t burning”), features a new digital font by Monokrom and Sindre Bremnes. In collaboration with the author and her publisher – and under guidance from Stiftelsen LESE, a Norwegian association that promotes accessible literature – Ronja’s handwriting was analyzed, digitized, and carefully molded to solve the challenge.

The resulting typeface distills the writer’s characteristic mannerisms, utilizing only a few contextual alternates to add life to the texture. The character set covers a substantial range of languages, and embodies the gesture and ductus of local writing traditions.