It bothers me that the whole Drunk Marten incident is such a polarizing issue. I honestly agree with Stoutflies that its possible Marten was speaking truthfully from some deep, insecure, extremely inhibited corner of his mind.
On the other hand, did he say he loved Faye? no.
He expressed his confusion that Faye would choose to make out with a jerk like Sven and a stalker like Angus* while NiceGuy Marten is dumped by Dora. These comments are coming from a place of insecurity, jealousy, and bewilderment. That isn't to say that Marten hasn't had these thoughts while sober, many people sink into these dark thoughts from time to time; we wonder why we "didn't get the girl; we did everything right, right?".
My personal conclusion: Marten does not romantically love Faye.
In strip 2021 the punchline is just that, a punchline. Marten can't ask them to tell Dora he loves her, too soon. Can't do Hanners, she'll freak out. Can't do Marigold, she might take it seriously. Can't do his mother, they don't know her. Faye is the best comedic choice, their past history just being icing on the cake.
also, I think Jeph likes throwing in these details just to see people on the forum go into a tailspin.
*I am deliberately portraying Marten in an extremely negative light. Is Marten this way all of the time? NO.
On the other hand, comic 1818 does make Marten seem like entitled douche of the year.