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[jwhouk]

I'm not sure that would be a character Jeph would want to draw on a regular basis. (I almost said "or could" there, but I don't think that'd be the case.)

[AquaNinja]

If they do start a long distance relationship I can't see Marten being able to handle it for too long.

[benji]

I suspect that the remark about there being no chance of happiness for Marten was more that he couldn't see it coming from the way things stand, with a memory of the feeling that if Marten did get finally settled that comic would have to end.  In fact this is no longer true, of course, as there are now so many other characters; the comic could quite naturally shift to developing their stories instead, maybe with a happy Marten dispensing wisdom in the background.

I agree that he could move away from that element and keep the story going, but it can be a frightening thing to resolve the first major plot element you introduce. My guess is Jeph will hold on to Marten's unhappiness for a while longer at any rate.

That doesn't necessarily mean keeping him single, however. As the Fay and Angus storyline reminds us this week, being in a relationship, even one that is going well, can be its own source of tension and unhappiness. If Jeph is clever about it, he'll place Marten in a variety of situations that could end in happiness but don't. If the next several years are just Marten whining that he doesn't have a girlfriend, many of us will no doubt lose interest. Taking the example of Padma: this arc could resolve with Padma leaving for California, leaving Marten to wonder what might have been. It could end with them having a long distance relationship that falls apart after a while. It could end with a pretty good long term relationship, with a longer arc that climaxes when she asks him to move out to California to be with her, and him deciding against it because he's unwilling to move for another girlfriend. All of these would maintain Marten's general unhappiness.

[TheTrojanVabbit]

It's happening!

[jwhouk]

It's happening!

No it's not. Marty's not gonna reverse everything he's got just to chase Padma back to Cali.

[wiserd]

LOVE the drunken love bubbles

[questionablecontentfan]

I don't get how it's "about time" for him to have a girlfriend. He broke up with Dora only a short time ago. Meanwhile, there are characters in the comic who are chronically single with no end to that in sight. It's about time for THEM to have relationships, jeez.

[NotAwesomeAnymore]

I'm actually hoping Marten's storyline doesn't become all about Padma. After two love dramas in a row, his personality's kinda turned into a blank slate. I'm really enjoying him single! It makes me excited for all the possibilities.

[Is it cold in here?]

An LDR LTR?

[Skewbrow]

An LDR most likely ending with a "Dear Marten"-letter (or a call)? Anything can happen, of course, but I somehow think that neither Marten nor Padma is looking for something lasting at this time. The inevitability of (at least temporary) parting is fueling them now.

I don't get how it's "about time" for him to have a girlfriend. He broke up with Dora only a short time ago. Meanwhile, there are characters in the comic who are chronically single with no end to that in sight. It's about time for THEM to have relationships, jeez.

Agree with you about "about time" (edit: re: Marten). No schedules for him.

Indeed, most of our friends are single now. They are, of course, all entitled to pursue romantic happiness when they want. That includes Hannelore, when/if she ever feels ready. But I'm not seeing any of them doing that at the moment? Unless you count the Calvinesque advances by Dale, or Elliot's confession? Even Sven has been uncharacteristically inactive (at least on camera).

Also: the cast has expanded since the early years. Jeph probably (hopefully?) doesn't want QC to consist entirely of romantic arcs, so it will take a while for the non-major characters to get their turn.  Let's just wait!

[Carl-E]

So long as she doesn't become his Canadian Californian girlfriend.  


Oh, wait, she's real...

Seriously, though - if he stays in Mass and she goes back, the LDR would feel just like a Canadian GF (CGF?) at the pace the strip moves.  One or the other would visit every... 5 or 6 years real time?  

I'm hoping they celebrate what they've got, and let it go like the mature adults they are.  

[DSL]

Who says it has to be an LDR, an LTR or an R at all? As of 2056, it's "hey, free kisses" on the couch (overdue for burning, I agree) with the comic relief trapped in the kitchen. As long as Marten keeps his head, it can be "We both agreed that was fun and nice, now have a nice life at your end of the country" with maybe "we'll be glad to see each other approaching on the sidewalk someday" in the future.

Oh, "comic relief" is unkind, I suppose. At least as far as Hanners, the one character in the comic who unfailingly and (almost) unflinchingly demonstrates she gives a damn about the other person in any of her interactions.

[Carl-E]

True, but here I think it's more of a vicarious thrill. 


You don't blush like that from giving a damn.

[Welu]

It's the secret wine peeking, Hanners is just what it's channeling through.

[snubnose]

So far all Padma did was accepting Marten as a friend.

She has not shown any interest into him as a boyfriend.

She is probably completely oblivious to Marten just as she was to Elliot.

To point out the obvious: I've been wrong.

[Carl-E]

The good news is, we all have been, at one time or another.