Review: Lexia Readable is for readers of graphic novels, not funny books

March 13, 2013

Lexia Readable: What happened when Comic Sans grew up. Designed by K-Type as a visually mature version of the comic cliché, Lexia gives your copy clarity and legibility without the now-cloying whimsy. Lexia Readable and Lexia Bold are available as OpenType, TrueType, and PostScript in the same download. A sans serif typeface, Lexia Readable echos the reasons many literacy professionals like to use Comic Sans: the handwritten lowercase a and g (rather than the letterpress versions); ascenders that equal the cap height, and similarly long descenders; an x-height that is just a hair above the median. These features all make Lexia easy on the eyes—and easy on the brain for early readers and readers with a disability such as dyslexia. But unlike Comic Sans, Lexia Readable steps it up a notch with asymmetrical lowercase b and d, straightened lines rather than the hand-drawn wobble, and 170 kerning pairs to ensure good spacing and placement. Keith Bates, designer of Lexia Readable, notes, "Lexia Readable was primarily an attempt at a grown-up Comic Sans that might be more appropriate for use with older readers," he says. "It's an attempt to retain the strength, friendliness and legibility of Comic Sans, and even a slightly marker-drawn feel, whilst tidying up the comic book idiosyncrasies. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2030117/review-lexia-readable-is-for-readers-of-graphic-novels-not-funny-books.html#tk.rss_reviews