Forest of Forgotten Futures

FOREST OF FORGOTTEN FUTURES
Deianira D’Antoni & Lorenzo C. Pirosa

In the Amazon rainforest, for some days now, a mysterious figure has been moving through the trees. Some inhabitants spotted it several times, from afar, while hearing gentle guitar notes…

These days, not every corner of the forest feels peaceful and calm anymore.

We need to push the flames back on that side—move quickly!
We’ve got to dig firebreaks right here, or it won’t stop! Watch out—that tree’s coming down!!
Don’t give up—we’re almost there!

A mournful tune drifted through the forest, slicing through the dying fire’s crackle.

The night was endless… and when morning finally broke, Yara spotted a lone figure perched on the ashes, guitar resting in their arms.”

Who are you? That was your music we heard through the flames last night…

My name is Leo. I walk where the trees lead me. I look for places where forests still fight—where they still try to heal.

Here in the Amazon, the forest is struggling to survive. But there is so much to do. Too many trees are being cut, and fires are becoming more and more frequent…

…The animals can no longer move or live. And the people who belong to this forest are being driven away

But you are here to help it survive.

We fight beside it. But the forest is breaking apart. It is starting to look like a fish skeleton.

These are the battles I sing about. To keep hope alive.

Then stay. We need songs that remind us what we are fighting for.

In the days that followed, Yara led Leo to meet her people…

Our way of life stands as proof of how the forest has changed… …our water reserves are often insufficient, and fires devastate soil and vegetation.

I dream of green corridors for my people and the animals that live in these habitats… …Together, we can still protect the forest’s future—from fire, deforestation, and extreme heat.

The forest is shrinking, the ecosystems breaking apart. Our future here will never be the same.

I hardly recognize these woods anymore. We used to navigate these paths by simply reading the trees…
https://nbscomics.com/forest-clambio/

Grandfather said every creature—even the smallest—is vital to the forest… I never understood why.
I think he was right. We must help the forest regain its old diversity…

If we can’t stop the flames, we’ll prepare the forest to heal.
Giving plants the space they need, we will also slow the spread of fires!

(song) I Dreamed I Was a Tree A cloud sat in my mouth, I spoke in fog and feathers. My hands were nests, the eggs hummed softly. Worms remembered my name, sang it backwards in the dirt. A moon grew where my heart was it peeled, and bled stars. I wore the wind like skin, forgot which way was falling. Birds stitched my shadow to the back of a passing dream. I woke with roots in my teeth, and leaves behind my eyes. The morning didn’t recognize me. I didn’t either. (song)

With the locals’ wisdom, we’ll replant the declining species. The forest will grow stronger!…
…And your songs will revive the forest’s ancient splendor—and inspire hope.
https://nbscomics.com/forest-mixforchange/

Yara and Leo’s journey does not go unnoticed… not even on the other side of the world.

Shade the land. Connect us to protect us all…
Shade the land… connect us… …I’m dreaming—wake up!

It happened again…

Years late. After Elia’s last vision, Yara and Leo’s efforts have sparked hope across communities—but the results fell short of their dreams.

Not even this one survived…

What is wrong, Leo?
…We’ve fought with communities and the forest for years. Progress is clear, but it’s still not enough—some plants still wilt in the heat.
There must be a way to do more!

Hmm… I hoped this would not be necessary…

My grandfather left this with me when I was a child.
He believed that this journey would teach him more about our forests…
…You could walk these corridors, Leo.

Walk beneath the canopy—from here to wherever it leads—and uncover what is happening to our forest. You could inspire the world.

Your words will be my compass…I’ll start from here!

Leo traverses nations and continents, encountering both monocultures and diverse woodlands—trees wilting under drought and others standing resilient. Though the full picture remains unclear, his path beneath the sweeping canopy will guide him toward new truths.

(song) I walked where the jaguars slip through the light, gold eyes watching, silent and deep. The trees stood, countless, endless, tangled, bright, each one a promise that I swore to keep.
I heard the voices drift under the leaves, stories woven in shadow and song. Now this old giant hums with the breeze, holding me steady, though I won’t stay long. (song)

Now a seasoned Leo, lands on the shores of the Mediterranean’s largest island.

Have you seen Elia’s mural?

It’s breathtaking… The animals and trees almost come to life!

I wonder where she draws her inspiration from!

Everyone here is talking about you—and your mural…

Hello, stranger. This mural tells my story—my devotion to my people and to these lands. The trees guide me, and I share their voice with the world.
What brings you here?

…I set out from the Amazon years ago. On my journey I’ve met forests of all kinds—their canopies bow as I pass, and my music fights for them.

Hang on! I know you from my dreams…the trees told me of you!

They bind us together, their voices weaving us into one and you can hear their call… …Trees led me here—to find a way to save our forests. They wanted us to meet.
What you’re doing is incredible. People place their hope in your visions; you’re reigniting their connection to nature.

Pardon me, I could not help overhearing
I’m Marie, a researcher studying the trees in Austria. They’re suffering from drought and struggling against the new heat waves.

That is exactly what happened to Yara and me in the Amazon!

It’s an ever-worsening problem… I’ve studied centuries-old specimens that survived extreme conditions—and they led me here to Sicily…

Do you think the trees here are better adapted to extreme heat?…

…Yes, I’m certain. I’m collecting acorns, leaves, and cuttings to carry back and help the northern forests.

…You have reignited my hope! People need to know that forests can heal.

If there’s a way to restore our land’s beauty, count me in!

(exclaim) We want to do our part as well!

(exclaim) I’ll help too!

We’re going to need all the help we can get.

(exclaim) Yes—me too!

Then I will paint your journey—as long as the trees speak to me and tell your story. So the world will know what you are doing for it

I’ve identified oak populations that are showing remarkable resilience to growing drought stress… …they seem among the best at adapting to new conditions.

We can take these seeds with us—and test them in the forests that need them most.

That could work… but we must proceed with care. Every ecosystem’s balance is fragile.

https://nbscomics.com/forest-acorn/
Across drought-scarred Mediterranean hills, Leo’s path now weaves song and science—carrying the trees’ strengths, he uncovers the forest’s secrets beneath it’s long canopy.

Guide their steps, awaken their hearts.

(song) The branches breathe, a sigh of years, This long canopy weaves through countless spheres. We walk through myths, dreams, under endless green, A path of science, every step an in-between. Jaguar eyes, her fleeting glow, The trees remember. The trees they know. I walked the long long canopy A 20 twenty thousand day’s walk All the leaves made galaxies Of light and dark. (song)

Leo and Marie’s journey pressed northward. By the time they reached Germany, Leo was already a man of middle age.

Hey, Leo—there’s someone over there…

Yes, I see him. I wonder what he’s working on.

Hello and welcome—I’m Rik. Sorry, I’m a bit busy; I’m studying drought’s effects on trees and soil.

I’m Marie, and this is Leo. We’re here on a research trip, too.
We’ve been studying new oak varieties that resist drought—brought them up from southern regions.

Reforestation with native trees and their transfer are solid climate strategies… …but high seedling mortality in the early years is a big obstacle.

That’s why I believe plant–microbiota interactions are crucial for drought resilience.
https://nbscomics.com/forest-restore/

That’s exactly what happened to some of our seedlings!

We collected samples along the way—maybe they’ll help. We’d love to assist in your research. What do you think?

That sounds fantastic!

Restoring soil quality is fundamental—healthy soil means a richer microbiome to support the trees.

Brilliant idea, Rik—we hadn’t considered microbial biodiversity, Leo!

Look here: I’ve isolated several bacterial and fungal strains whose abilities to combat water stress and support the plant are amazing!

The journey into microbiota discovery took longer than Leo had expected, but the results arrived swiftly—one step at a time.

The outcomes are incredible… we’ll have enhanced trees and soils!

We must share our findings, Rik. It can help so many communities in need!

(song) Here I met science, She seemed like a mystic. There I met a tree, and in love I kissed it As we slept inside a thought. Everywhere I met people, And learned what they taught Canopies giggle, science shrugs, I’m charting worms and dodging bugs. They say I’m odd, but roots agree — the forest hums in tune with me… (song)

See? This is how fungi and trees live together and support each other!

Our forests will flourish with trees more resilient to harsh climate conditions!

Heavy and slow are his steps, yet his spirit endures. His guitar is worn, but his song still carries strength. Eventually he stops, at the edge of the map that had led him here.

(song) …I Spoke to scientists in silver coats, their words like glass in fog, they coax the bones of forests and tell stories on clipboards made of sky.
Told them: roots remember and store. They smiled like swinging doors. Still, an old tree bowed and followed, its shadow curled in mine and more. Soon the oaks were humming, leaning in like old conspirators, coming Together, one called me branchwalker, An fir gave me moss, a pine gave me nothing. I kept walking, slower now, with crowns behind me, swaying boughs. Their leaves said nothing clearly, I tried to listen, even when I didn’t know how. (song)conspirators, coming Together, one called me branchwalker, An fir gave me moss, a pine gave me nothing. I kept walking, slower now, with crowns behind me, swaying boughs. Their leaves said nothing clearly, I tried to listen, even when I didn’t know how. (song)

conspirators, coming Together, one called me branchwalker, An fir gave me moss, a pine gave me nothing. I kept walking, slower now, with crowns behind me, swaying boughs. Their leaves said nothing clearly, I tried to listen, even when I didn’t know how. (song)

I know who you are. You’ve walked a lifetime— the trees remember your footsteps… …but I never imagined I’d meet you here.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear… …Nature sets my pace, and I will not rest until I’ve kept a promise made long ago.

Pardon my boldness—could you spare something warm for an old wayfarer?

I have walked for miles beneath the long canopy, searching for places where nature still thrives.

You won’t find what you expect… …the Arctic’s natural balance is gone. Hunting, fishing, even herding—none are safe anymore.

Lichens are vital for reindeer, but heavy rains and ice crusts make them harder to reach…
…habitats are shifting north, the balance is off… and wildfires aren’t far behind.

You know… the elders fear that traditional knowledge of fishing and herding is losing meaning as the land changes…
…Young fishermen are thinking of leaving for the cities.

Leo, you have to help us reconnect with our land… Without that bond, there’s no future for the Arctic.

The sea isn’t on our side anymore—like I told you.

You’re right…Conditions are harder to predict, and fishing routes keep shifting…
…even the marine ecosystem is suffering, putting pressure on fish and crustacean habitats and food sources.

You’re right…Conditions are harder to predict, and fishing routes keep shifting…
…even the marine ecosystem is suffering, putting pressure on fish and crustacean habitats and food sources.
https://nbscomics.com/tides-futurearcticlives/

(thought) We need a plan…

We must protect the old-growth boreal forests to safeguard biodiversity and food resources.

We’ll set up an adaptation strategy to face future challenges.

Preserving the traditional migration routes and grazing lands is critical for the reindeer’s future.

We’ll monitor conditions and gather essential data…

That way we can strengthen our relationship with nature—and nature will help us facing the climate emergency.
https://nbscomics.com/forest-feedbacks/
And after all, a plan of this scale took Leo and Asa years to develop…

What are you thinking?

I’ve journeyed for years across continents and incredible ecosystems. The fragility of these places frightens me…
…Everything is so deeply connected—don’t you agree?

At a small festival held in Leo’s honor, people from around the world—scientists, villagers, old friends—have gathered.

Wow! What a sight!

Hurry—come see this!

Hip hip hooray for Leo!

(song) Beneath the long canopy, shadows sing in the key of green, Roots unravel secrets of the places we’ve been. We walked long, we walked there. Winds murmur to weave melodies through branches’ ancient sheen, Time bends, curls, breaks, and here it aches for what was before unseen. But now we’re awake; now we’re aware. (song)

As night falls, Marie and Rik spot the guitar leaning against a tree but see no sign of Leo. They move to follow him into the forest, but Asa stops them.

Look— the canopy is drawing in around him. Nature itself pays homage.

Leo has become part of them again.

Suddenly, an eagle owl alights on a high branch above the guitar. It bows its head in quiet respect and remains there, silent, overseeing the scene.

“The forest remembered its strength. And in its shade, in its roots, so did we.”

At the very same instant, Elia is finishing the final strokes of her mural in Sicily—her tears mixing with the paint. The glowing roots pulse with life. Between dream and reality, the mural awakens, revealing flourishing, interconnected ecosystems worldwide.

(song) The scientists walked beside me, with notebooks full of birdsong. They listened when I sang to roots, and wrote my verses down.

They stayed when silence gathered, tuning instruments of air. One caught my last refrain in ink — another hummed along. The animals came soft-footed, drawn by the closing chords. A child placed a pinecone near, then bowed beneath the boughs. I became a final chorus, woven tall and slow. Now others come to borrow lines — the forest keeps the tune. ____ Under the long canopy, leaves remember melody. If I’m gone, just sing for me — the trees will carry the key. Walking the long canopy, songs fall down like rain on me. If I forget the lines I knew, the wind will sing them back to you. ____ I walked the long canopy slow, my notebook full of rhyme. The scientists sang softly too — their graphs were kept in time. ____ Singing in science, step by step, under leaves where silence slept. Walking the long canopy, truth and tune inside of me. I walked where the branches listened, notes tucked in every leaf. The scientists spoke in murmurs, and sang me into sleep. (song) THE END