An image forming apparatus having an intermediate transfer body in which color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer body is disclosed. Additionally, the toner image potential may be suppressed in areas with large toner electrostatic charge of the toner layer on the intermediate transfer body, while the toner image potential is left as such in the low toner adhesion areas. The image forming apparatus with a neutralizing charger is capable of yielding satisfactory second transfer images without causing image roughness or toner scattering.