Q: When I opening a Type 1 "Oblique" font with FontLab (for example Helvetica Oblique), the font shows normal, non-italic characters. At the same time, a Type 1 "Italic" font displays fine, for example Times Italic). Is there something strange about "oblique" fonts?

A: The problematic Oblique fonts that you are trying to import are very old fonts made by Adobe Systems in 1986-1993. These fonts use special extensions to Adobe's specification of the PostScript Type 1 font format; these extensions are today considered obsolete and they are not compatible with FontLab applications. Adobe has abandoned the practice of creating such fonts years ago, but such fonts still are floating around in people's systems. You can manually slant the font by selecting Edit / Select All and then Tools / Transform... / Contour / Slant. Enter the appropriate angle (usually 12) and click on OK. Alternatively, if you're only making Type 1 fonts, you can enter the Slant angle in Font Info / Key dimensions — the outlines will remain upright but will be slanted on-the-fly after the font has been installed.