A monocomponent-type developer for developing electrostatic images, includes a magnetic toner containing at least a binder resin and magnetic powder, and 0.5-10 wt. % (based on the magnetic toner) of inorganic fine powder having a length-average particle size of 0.1-5 .mu.m. The developer has a number-basis particle size distribution such that particles of 4 .mu.m or smaller are contained at 5-18% by number and particles of 4-10 .mu.m are contained at at least 60% by number. The developer has a volume basis particle size distribution such that particles of 12.7 .mu.m or larger are contained at at most 10% by volume. The developer has a weight-average particle size of 7-11 .mu.m. The developer is particularly useful for development under application of a DC-superposed asymmetric AC bias electric field including a development-side voltage component with a larger magnitude and a shorter duration than a reverse development-side voltage component.