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Fire on the Water
A novel based on a true tale of heroism and invention in the tunnels beneath Lake Erie in 1916
This original graphic novel imagines the lives of blue-collar workers involved in the real-life Lake Erie tunnel disaster of 1916 in Cleveland. Author Scott MacGregor and illustrator Gary Dumm tell the intersecting stories of a brilliant African American inventor, Ben Beltran (based on the real-life Garrett Morgan, Sr.), desperate immigrants tunneling beneath Lake Erie, and corrupt overseers who risk countless lives for profit. As historical fiction, Fire on the Water sheds light not only on one of America’s earliest man-made ecological disasters but also on racism and the economic disparity between classes in the Midwest at the turn of the century.
This original graphic novel imagines the lives of blue-collar workers involved in the real-life Lake Erie tunnel disaster of 1916 in Cleveland. Author Scott MacGregor and illustrator Gary Dumm tell the intersecting stories of a brilliant African American inventor, Ben Beltran (based on the real-life Garrett Morgan, Sr.), desperate immigrants tunneling beneath Lake Erie, and corrupt overseers who risk countless lives for profit. As historical fiction, Fire on the Water sheds light not only on one of America’s earliest man-made ecological disasters but also on racism and the economic disparity between classes in the Midwest at the turn of the century.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 12, 2020
9 people are currently reading
1535 people want to read
About the author
Scott Macgregor
3 books2 followersScott MacGregor -American- (1953- )
Scott MacGregor is an American photographer and writer from Cleveland,Ohio. His photographs and writings have been published in books and magazines. He has been writing graphic tales for several decades in collaboration with Cleveland artists, most notably with artists Gary Dumm and Gregory Budgett.
MacGregor is the primary author of the underground comic "DIP Stories" and the graphic novel, “Fire On The Water” a work of historical fiction which tells the early 20th century story of the harrowing experiences suffered while building water tunnels under Lake Erie by Irish and European immigrants in his hometown of Cleveland.
Scott MacGregor is an American photographer and writer from Cleveland,Ohio. His photographs and writings have been published in books and magazines. He has been writing graphic tales for several decades in collaboration with Cleveland artists, most notably with artists Gary Dumm and Gregory Budgett.
MacGregor is the primary author of the underground comic "DIP Stories" and the graphic novel, “Fire On The Water” a work of historical fiction which tells the early 20th century story of the harrowing experiences suffered while building water tunnels under Lake Erie by Irish and European immigrants in his hometown of Cleveland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 28, 2020
Irony: Write a historical fiction graphic novel about an African American inventor named Benjamin Beltran and his part in the rescue following a major tunneling accident under Lake Erie. In your end matter write extensively how your story is actually based on Garrett A. Morgan, a real African American inventor, whose story is "a perfect example of how the history we're taught is not necessarily the history that happened," and how his "heroics on the night of July 25, 1916, was, thanks to systemic racism, erased in the same way one erases a wipe board or an email."
Ummm.
So you honor Garrett A. Morgan by erasing his name and life and writing your story over them? Why not tell his story instead of just taking it for yours? Or trying to somehow have it both ways by slapping in an afterword?
Jeepers.
I was actually over halfway through reading the book before I realized how much of a fiction it really is. A sudden intrusion of premonitions, dreams, visions and supernatural claptrap into what seemed a down-to-earth retelling of a "true-life tragedy" finally forced me to read the dust jacket copy. My interest quickly dwindled but I read it through to the end.
And then the afterword told the story I actually wanted to read: No angels, ghosts, or fake names; just the true story of a man named Garrett A. Morgan who worked hard to succeed and who rose to the occasion when called upon to risk his life to save others.
Ummm.
So you honor Garrett A. Morgan by erasing his name and life and writing your story over them? Why not tell his story instead of just taking it for yours? Or trying to somehow have it both ways by slapping in an afterword?
Jeepers.
I was actually over halfway through reading the book before I realized how much of a fiction it really is. A sudden intrusion of premonitions, dreams, visions and supernatural claptrap into what seemed a down-to-earth retelling of a "true-life tragedy" finally forced me to read the dust jacket copy. My interest quickly dwindled but I read it through to the end.
And then the afterword told the story I actually wanted to read: No angels, ghosts, or fake names; just the true story of a man named Garrett A. Morgan who worked hard to succeed and who rose to the occasion when called upon to risk his life to save others.
October 15, 2020
Fire on the Water is ultimately a story of racism and classism, far more than it's a humdinger true history tale of disaster while constructing pipelines to fuel Cleveland's water supply. Certainly the humdinger piece is there - I was riveted by Clarke's memories of the fire in Crib #3. But the racism and classism pieces are pretty fiercely hammered home, with frequent reminders that immigrants are treated like dirt and that highly intelligent black inventors are treated even worse.
That isn't to say Fire on the Water is a disappointment, not at all. It's just a different beast than I expected, and a far wordier one at that. Thick immigrant accents make up the densely packed dialogue and the narrative frequently shifts unexpectedly to lengthy backstories. The book never quite lost my interest, but it did lose entertainment value, being so long and dense.
The art is homely and perhaps too comic, though you get used to it. Fire on the Water is clearly a worthwhile read as being deeply informative about the ills of the early 21st century. It's a little odd, though, that the author choose to fictionalize the narrative rather than use the real people he calls out in the afterword - real people who experienced the exact story depicted in Fire on the Water. A quibble, sure. This is a fine book, an important one, but it's neither a pretty nor easy read.
That isn't to say Fire on the Water is a disappointment, not at all. It's just a different beast than I expected, and a far wordier one at that. Thick immigrant accents make up the densely packed dialogue and the narrative frequently shifts unexpectedly to lengthy backstories. The book never quite lost my interest, but it did lose entertainment value, being so long and dense.
The art is homely and perhaps too comic, though you get used to it. Fire on the Water is clearly a worthwhile read as being deeply informative about the ills of the early 21st century. It's a little odd, though, that the author choose to fictionalize the narrative rather than use the real people he calls out in the afterword - real people who experienced the exact story depicted in Fire on the Water. A quibble, sure. This is a fine book, an important one, but it's neither a pretty nor easy read.
May 20, 2020
Very well done historical fiction graphic novel recounting the lives of blue collar workers doing a dangerous job of digging a tunnel under Lake Erie to find clean drinking water. The book also chronicles the fascinating story of an African American inventor who provides some new equipment when the tunnel catches fire with a gas leak. Most of the book is written in various dialects of the workers and contains quite a bit of strong language, as would be appropriate at that time. This was my first graphic novel and I enjoyed the change of pace. Thanks to Abrams Comic Arts for an uncorrected proof of Fire on the Water won through a Goodreads giveaway.
dnf
July 28, 2021Dumm’s heavy-handed drawings repel me, and the true story is more gripping than this fictionalized account. Art imitates life and doesn’t enrich this time, but thanks for trying.
Also, it feels hypocritical to tell a 1910s story of an exploited black inventor and hero, Garrett Morgan, and not use his name until the afterward. I would put that in the introduction.
An event and a name worth knowing, and the afterward was informative.
Also, it feels hypocritical to tell a 1910s story of an exploited black inventor and hero, Garrett Morgan, and not use his name until the afterward. I would put that in the introduction.
An event and a name worth knowing, and the afterward was informative.
January 1, 2025
“Fire on the Water” is a compelling graphic novel that brings to light a significant yet often overlooked historical event: the 1916 Lake Erie tunnel disaster near Cleveland, Ohio. The narrative delves into the catastrophic explosions and gas leaks that endangered the lives of immigrant workers, known as “sandhogs,” who were excavating tunnels beneath the lake. The story also highlights the invention of a safety hood by African American inventor Garrett Morgan, a device that proved instrumental in the rescue efforts during the disaster.
Morgan, along with his brother Frank, courageously descended into the hazardous tunnels wearing the safety hoods they developed, directly contributing to the rescue of trapped workers. Tragically, both brothers suffered long-term health issues due to their exposure during the rescue operations. Despite their heroism, racial prejudices of the era led to their exclusion from official recognition; the mayor at the time refused to acknowledge their contributions publicly. This injustice spurred Morgan to establish Cleveland’s first Black newspaper, aiming to ensure accurate reporting of African American achievements.
The artwork, crafted by Gary Dumm, known for his collaborations with Harvey Pekar, effectively captures the era’s atmosphere and the emotional depth of the narrative. The inclusion of Irish and other poor immigrant sandhogs, who also faced prejudice, adds layers to the story, emphasizing the shared struggles of marginalized communities.
“Fire on the Water” is a well-executed and enlightening read, shedding light on a pivotal moment in history and the unsung heroes who played crucial roles. It is highly recommended for those interested in historical narratives and social justice, and compelling stand alone graphic novels.
Morgan, along with his brother Frank, courageously descended into the hazardous tunnels wearing the safety hoods they developed, directly contributing to the rescue of trapped workers. Tragically, both brothers suffered long-term health issues due to their exposure during the rescue operations. Despite their heroism, racial prejudices of the era led to their exclusion from official recognition; the mayor at the time refused to acknowledge their contributions publicly. This injustice spurred Morgan to establish Cleveland’s first Black newspaper, aiming to ensure accurate reporting of African American achievements.
The artwork, crafted by Gary Dumm, known for his collaborations with Harvey Pekar, effectively captures the era’s atmosphere and the emotional depth of the narrative. The inclusion of Irish and other poor immigrant sandhogs, who also faced prejudice, adds layers to the story, emphasizing the shared struggles of marginalized communities.
“Fire on the Water” is a well-executed and enlightening read, shedding light on a pivotal moment in history and the unsung heroes who played crucial roles. It is highly recommended for those interested in historical narratives and social justice, and compelling stand alone graphic novels.
December 28, 2021
I like so much about this work. The art is fantastic and the writing style is engaging, overall. As I read I felt like most of the pieces of the story fell into place, leaving an important message behind. However, as another reader pointed out, I felt like it lacked adequate content on Garret Morgan. Perhaps this was done purposefully? I'd love to sit down with the authors and creatives who made it to hear their perspective on their choices.
And despite this feeling, I still think this was a valuable read for numerous reasons.
And despite this feeling, I still think this was a valuable read for numerous reasons.
March 1, 2021
I've giving this a four, but let me tell you why it does NOT get a 5 star.
Over the course of the story we meet a person who basically existed. We are told time and time again what his name is.........only to find out at the END of the book, that it was NOT his real name. His real name was Garrett A. Morgan.
Othere than that it was great. So historically based, kinda
Over the course of the story we meet a person who basically existed. We are told time and time again what his name is.........only to find out at the END of the book, that it was NOT his real name. His real name was Garrett A. Morgan.
Othere than that it was great. So historically based, kinda
January 20, 2022
Badly written, with incredibly weak artwork. It has a good story to tell, but sure doesn’t do it well.
March 6, 2022
If it’s an important story about an inventor and his struggles against racism and prejudice to try to fight upstream in life and generally be a great man, why fictionalize the protagonist’s name????
Read
December 8, 2021A lot of this is set in tunnels built underneath Lake Erie to draw water to the city of Cleveland, while workers attempt to survive two fires, which occur ten years apart in the early twentieth century. These chapters are long action sequences, more or less, that center working class heroes, victims, and villains. Given the medium, the history of superheroes in comic books provides a context for how MacGregor and Dumm want us to perceive these characters. Class and race as manifestations of power and control is a central theme, as is the manner in which narratives are built to service those who are already in power.
An afterword indicates that much of the book was inspired by a real life individual, Garrett A. Morgan, a Black man inventor who developed a "safety hood" that helped prevent smoke inhalation. I was a bit puzzled to read this at the end of the book: I'm not sure why MacGregor and Dumm didn't just tell Morgan's actual story instead of fictionalizing it; the graphic novel would've been more powerful if I'd experienced it as a true story... and even knowing more about Morgan heading in to this fictionalized version would've enhanced my takeaway, I think, despite the threat of spoilers.
An afterword indicates that much of the book was inspired by a real life individual, Garrett A. Morgan, a Black man inventor who developed a "safety hood" that helped prevent smoke inhalation. I was a bit puzzled to read this at the end of the book: I'm not sure why MacGregor and Dumm didn't just tell Morgan's actual story instead of fictionalizing it; the graphic novel would've been more powerful if I'd experienced it as a true story... and even knowing more about Morgan heading in to this fictionalized version would've enhanced my takeaway, I think, despite the threat of spoilers.
August 8, 2021
An enjoyable, if somewhat pedestrian, tale of corporate greed, environmental destruction and racism that is sadly still all too relevant. It’s very well written and drawn on a technical level, but has a sort of plod to some of the writing and drawing that’s hard to love. It’s also slightly easily distracted by the trap of trying to replicate regional accents that gives it a slightly awkward and clumsy tone that could have been so easily avoided. But it’s a very worthy book, in all sense of the word, and an important story. I just wish it was slightly more stylistically confident to be its own thing
October 17, 2021
I rather enjoyed this and there are a ton of great lines. I'm just confused why they fictionalized Garrett Morgan's name out of it entirely. Could've still been an inspired by and liberties taken story and used the man's real name.
November 7, 2024
Summary: This graphic novel is based on a historical figure named Garrett Augustus Morgan who invented the breathing mask, and he wasn’t given credit because of the color of his skin. He is considered a hero because of the content of his character and his bravery as well as one of the greatest African American inventors after not only inventing the mask and people refusing to acknowledge or use it, but then he used the mask to rescue men in a terrible gas explosion underground.
Review: I don’t know why we need to have so much bad language and use the Lord’s name in vain on like every single page. Sadly, it was hard to read for me because I was so distracted by all of the profanity. Also, the pictures of all them men dying were very gruesome with their skin literally melting off. Even so, I did enjoy learning his story. I’m so glad we can learn about these great people and that their stories have not been erased even though many people have tried to do so. I do believe it’s important for these voices to be heard and celebrated.
TW: vivid death, suicide, language, alcohol, smoking
Pages: 8 "drunk as a g**damn skunk" and a fist fight shown; 10 "nigra"; constant language on every page from damn, "feck", to hell, bastard, etc. and using the Lord's name in vain; 24, 35, 36 smoking shown in the picture; 45, 50 shows men on fire and their skin melting off; 71 shows them floating on a dead horse and shows dead bodies floating in the water; 82 shows dead bodies; 105 "darkies"; 115 "sonovabitch"; 137 whiskey, gin, beer and the guy is throwing up, 197 shows a man peeing but just from the back; 210 after what a woman “did” he says that “it still hurts to piss”; 251 a man commits suicide by putting a gun to his head and “blew his brains out”
Review: I don’t know why we need to have so much bad language and use the Lord’s name in vain on like every single page. Sadly, it was hard to read for me because I was so distracted by all of the profanity. Also, the pictures of all them men dying were very gruesome with their skin literally melting off. Even so, I did enjoy learning his story. I’m so glad we can learn about these great people and that their stories have not been erased even though many people have tried to do so. I do believe it’s important for these voices to be heard and celebrated.
TW: vivid death, suicide, language, alcohol, smoking
Pages: 8 "drunk as a g**damn skunk" and a fist fight shown; 10 "nigra"; constant language on every page from damn, "feck", to hell, bastard, etc. and using the Lord's name in vain; 24, 35, 36 smoking shown in the picture; 45, 50 shows men on fire and their skin melting off; 71 shows them floating on a dead horse and shows dead bodies floating in the water; 82 shows dead bodies; 105 "darkies"; 115 "sonovabitch"; 137 whiskey, gin, beer and the guy is throwing up, 197 shows a man peeing but just from the back; 210 after what a woman “did” he says that “it still hurts to piss”; 251 a man commits suicide by putting a gun to his head and “blew his brains out”
April 9, 2022
I started this book about the 1916 disaster during one of the tunnel digs into Lake Erie and promptly got confused. I had questions about the people named in this graphic novel. So, I stopped reading and began researching. I wanted to know about the people in the explosion a number of years earlier than 1916. Names are used, and I wondered how they were remembered.
The first thing I found out was that the only crib tunneling to what was then called crib 3 that had much available information was the 1916 disaster. That information was about some of the officials and the famous Black inventor from Cleveland named Garrett Morgan. In the book a Black man, posing as a Native American, named Benjamin Beltran had invented the Beltran Saftey Hood for firefighters to wear in order to prevent smoke inhalation. I only learned that when searching for a bibliography at the back of the book and stumbled on a biography of Garrett Morgan.
At this point, page 74, I stopped reading. Why would you write a history/biography with fake characters? The book is even classified as non-fiction! It would be different if this were classified as historical fiction. Why this? Many adults do not accept graphic novels, and this book gives a good genre for learning a bad mark. The authors and the catalogers should be ashamed.
The first thing I found out was that the only crib tunneling to what was then called crib 3 that had much available information was the 1916 disaster. That information was about some of the officials and the famous Black inventor from Cleveland named Garrett Morgan. In the book a Black man, posing as a Native American, named Benjamin Beltran had invented the Beltran Saftey Hood for firefighters to wear in order to prevent smoke inhalation. I only learned that when searching for a bibliography at the back of the book and stumbled on a biography of Garrett Morgan.
At this point, page 74, I stopped reading. Why would you write a history/biography with fake characters? The book is even classified as non-fiction! It would be different if this were classified as historical fiction. Why this? Many adults do not accept graphic novels, and this book gives a good genre for learning a bad mark. The authors and the catalogers should be ashamed.
June 29, 2021
3.5⭐️
Before modern technology, building infrastructure to get cities clean water could be a very dangerous job. The story of Fire on the Water explores one of these infrastructure projects and a fatal gas explosion that comes with its history. But, if it wasn’t for invention of one black man, the death toll would have been so much hire. Discussing racism and a somewhat unknown history, the graphic novel helps to shine a light of part of Cleveland’s past.
Being someone who works with the public water industry on a regular basis, I really enjoyed learning about a different part of its history I wasn’t informed about. Even though it’s based on a true story, the graphic novel took some liberties which I’m not too sure I could get behind. I understand that death is a major theme but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the death angels through out the story. Additionally, the art style wasn’t my favorite and that took a bit away from the story as well. What I did enjoy was learning more of the cultural tensions at the times the story behind of the hoods, and in general learning more about the history of the public water industry.
Before modern technology, building infrastructure to get cities clean water could be a very dangerous job. The story of Fire on the Water explores one of these infrastructure projects and a fatal gas explosion that comes with its history. But, if it wasn’t for invention of one black man, the death toll would have been so much hire. Discussing racism and a somewhat unknown history, the graphic novel helps to shine a light of part of Cleveland’s past.
Being someone who works with the public water industry on a regular basis, I really enjoyed learning about a different part of its history I wasn’t informed about. Even though it’s based on a true story, the graphic novel took some liberties which I’m not too sure I could get behind. I understand that death is a major theme but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the death angels through out the story. Additionally, the art style wasn’t my favorite and that took a bit away from the story as well. What I did enjoy was learning more of the cultural tensions at the times the story behind of the hoods, and in general learning more about the history of the public water industry.
June 3, 2022
As someone who spent their first 30 years on the Ohio shore of Lake Erie, I should've known the story of Garrett Morgan and the tunnel disaster. My mother has spent 80 on the Ohio shore of Lake Erie and did not know this story. Like other folks, I would've preferred we just get Morgan's real story instead of a inspired-by fiction. But overall, the story showed us a lot about the dehumanizing and deadly capitalism, the animosity between and toward immigrants, the environmental destruction, and the structural racism that was built and supported to keep non-white people separate and degraded. I was thankful for the biography of Morgan at the end to show us some of his interesting life. After reading about his real life, I wanted the book to have been non-fiction. I will be looking for a biography about him.
October 18, 2020
I couldn't stand the artistic style in this, which is why it doesn't get 5 stars. I love when graphic novels prove to be more than just a "comic". This told an interesting story based on real historical events from a disaster in early 1900s Cleveland. It also tells the story of the inequities suffered by a heroic African American inventor who played a major role in saving lives during the disaster. Again, the art isn't very attractive to look at IMO, but the story was intriguing enough that I still managed to really appreciate the overall product.
August 25, 2020
A fantastic story, really well told. I would've liked a little more background on the crazy (and likely corrupt) decision to build tunnels instead of preventing the pollution or filtering it somehow.
The art was solid, if a little stiff. Reminded me of Joe Sacco but less expressive. One character starts crying but I thought he was saying "sob!" in a sarcastic way! There were some interesting magical realism, like shared dreams and phantoms.
The art was solid, if a little stiff. Reminded me of Joe Sacco but less expressive. One character starts crying but I thought he was saying "sob!" in a sarcastic way! There were some interesting magical realism, like shared dreams and phantoms.
August 2, 2021
The art was great and I loved the time period but when I hit the afterward telling the life story of one of the main characters and he had a different name I got very confused. Beat for beat, this man's story matched the novel. But they used a fictional character? I know non-fiction graphic novels exist so I thought it was an odd choice to fictionalize the story when it pretty closely matches. Still nice to see Ohio's history shown to the wider world, warts and all. Great story!
February 20, 2021
The real story this is based on is presented at the end and I think it would have been a better move to just put it in the introduction. I was confused about who was who and what each person's role was several times, but I appreciate the important true story that was represented in the book and that the authors brought light to a great injustice done to Mr. Morgan.
March 18, 2021
Some of the real horror behind "modern" necessities and acknowledgement to a black inventor who was almost lost to history. Black and white sketch artwork gives a very creepy feeling, especially during the tunnel scenes. Characters that weren't from the "appropriate" white backgrounds were just fodder. Keep throwing men in the tunnels, eventually it'll get done.
June 14, 2021
I agree with other reviewers that the story should have just been told as a non-fiction work. I struggled to follow the timeline. One of the main characters seemed to have a pregnant wife and young daughter during two catastrophes but it sounded like those two events were supposed to be 10 years apart. Please someone explain what I missed.
July 24, 2021
Pretty good. I like the overall message and presentation of issues. There are a lot of possibilities with this graphic novel in the classroom, especially after reading the nonfiction portions. Parts were a little choppy, but there are limitations (as well as perks) with graphic novels. The pages were a bit text-dense, too. That might deter some readers.
September 14, 2023
I am so glad I grabbed this from the "local" section of our favorite comic shop! I feel like a huge piece of local history was completely lost to me until I read this! What an amazing, upsetting, and interesting story. I loved all of it and hope perhaps Macgregor and Dumm will pair up again to tell me more stories that were left out of my history lessons. :)
July 4, 2020
The story of the Lake Erie tunnel disaster of 1916 in Cleveland. Desperate immigrants tunneled beneath Lake Erie to reach freedom. Written and Illustrated in comic form. Easy read. Very sad. Thankyou Goodreads for this free book.
January 2, 2026
I enjoyed the idea and story line of the book. Being a native Clevelander helps in liking the book. All and all enjoyable read if you want something early 1900s that looks at the racial attitude of Midwest social classes and the love of a family.
April 12, 2020
The powerful story of the forgotten men who risked their lives so we could have clean water, and the innovative hero who saved some of them.
January 20, 2021
Yet another heartbreaking tale of American History that highlights the ugly history of Racism and prejudice.
February 8, 2021
Although this historical retelling is beautifully illustrated and written; I can’t help but think it could’ve been about a third shorter without losing its impact.
July 30, 2021
Quick and easy read. Interesting depiction of a relatively unknown historical event.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews