Hero Factory was a LEGO theme was based on a group of robotic heroes who protected the galaxy from various threats and was released in 2010 and discontinued in 2014. It uses TECHNIC elements and followed the BIONICLE product line which featured six heros per line in which each Hero is unique thanks to their Quaza Core, a mineral stone that provides each of them with a distinct personality.
2012 LEGO Sets
2012 was a very important year for LEGO license themes, namely, the contract with Lucasfilm was renewed to extend Star Wars sets until at least 2022. The LEGO Group also celebrated its 80th anniversary in August of that year. 2012 also marked the year for one of the largest number of new and important themes being released which included The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Marvel Super Heroes, DC Super Heroes, Monster Fighters, Friends and LEGO Friends. With the introduction of all these new themes LEGO did discontinue a number of beloved themes in 2012 which included Alien Conquest, Atlantis, Pharaoh's Quest, Kingdoms and Harry Potter which did make a return six-years later, thankfully.